The Georgia Bulldogs, the team that had gone wire to wire as the #1 team in the college football, fell short of becoming a dynasty team. Georgia’s chance at immortality to win three consecutive national titles was swept away by a rising Alabama Crimson Tide squad in the SEC Championship Game.
“Both crowds were really into the game, a lot of momentum swings like we thought. A field goal hits the dang upright after an offsides. We spotted them 10 just off of a turnover, a touchdown on a busted coverage by a freshman. When you give good teams those things, they’re going to be hard to beat.”
Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart, after the loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
Here are the reasons why Georgia failed to vie for a third straight national championship and establish a college football dynasty:
Lapses in focus that resulted in penalties at crucial times
In the 2nd quarter and down 10-7, the Bulldogs lined up for a 45-yard field goal attempt. Georgia was flagged for a false start that pushed the Bulldogs, and the kick attempt, back five yards, making the kick attempt now 50-yards. The kick bounced off the right upright and was no good.
In the 3rd quarter, on 1st and 15 (after yet another false start penalty), Georgia ran an end around play, but the QB/WR exchange was fumbled and recovered by Alabama. This was the only turnover of the game and resulted in three more points for the Crimson Tide.
A huge turnover.
Alabama takes over in Georgia territory. pic.twitter.com/3BJaECO2bN
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) December 2, 2023
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Lack of explosive plays and injuries
Georgia produced just one explosive play in the game, a 51-yard pitch and catch from QB Carson Beck to WR Arian Smith. But Georgia gained just three yards on the next three plays as the Alabama defense stiffened and forced the Bulldogs to settle for a field goal once again.
Even though they played in the game, WR Ladd McConkey and TE Brock Bowers were clearly NOT 100%, and it showed. They both suffered injures early in the season (Bowers had surgery) and against the Crimson Tide secondary, they could not just get the separation in open space. Both players combined for eight catches for 91 yards and zero touchdowns.
Kirby Smart and staff failed to recognize this early and make adjustments by inserting other players at those positions that were not hindered by the effects of injuries.
Alabama destroyed Georgia at the line of scrimmage.
While the Bulldogs sacked Alabama QB Jalen Milroe four times in the game, the Alabama offensive line manhandled the Georgia defensive line when it came to running the ball. Alabama was without the services of their leading rusher Jase McClellan, who was out with an injury. Roydell Williams filled brilliantly and gained 64 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Also, the Bulldogs defensive line did not have an answer on how to stop Milroe. He was able to extend plays with his legs and keep the Crimson Tide in position to score points and the Georgia defense on its heels.
Now the Bulldogs will represent the SEC in the Orange Bowl vs. Florida State as the conference “runner-up.” No confetti falling from the rafters for the Bulldogs. No one hailing Georgia as one of the best of all time for winning three straight titles. A dynasty was not created in the ATL on Saturday as a 3-peat faded into the annals of college football history.
