Georgia Looking To End Alabama Rivalry Dominance In SEC Championship Game

After No. 3 Georgia closed an 11-1 regular season with its eighth consecutive win over in-state foe Georgia Tech last week, head coach Kirby Smart was asked about his senior class dominating its top rivals through four seasons.

Smart replied with a reminder that Georgia Tech, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee do not form a complete list of the Bulldogs' biggest rivals. 

"You know, there [are] other ones out there we haven’t beat," he said.

Smart didn't mention No. 10 Alabama. He didn't have to. Georgia players understand there's unfinished business waiting in Saturday's SEC Championship Game. A win over Alabama (10-2, No. 9 CFP) is the glaring omission from the Georgia seniors' four-year 50-5 record that includes the 2022 national championship and two SEC titles.

"Everybody knows the history of Georgia-Alabama," said Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton. "I mean, it’s there."

Indeed, there are reminders everywhere. Even in the pregame media notes prepared by Georgia (No. 3 CFP), there is a recap of the series entitled "The Elephant In The Room."

Big Al casts a shadow Georgia has struggled to escape.

"Like, the team is pretty aware," linebacker Raylen Wilson said.

With each team trying to improve its national championship hopes as well as claim the SEC title, there is more on the line than just the series history between the conference powers.

"It’s definitely going to be a great battle, one for the centuries — like it always is when Alabama and Georgia play," Alabama nose tackle Tim Keenan said.

Alabama will be playing for its first title with head coach Kalen DeBoer. Alabama beat Georgia for its seventh SEC championship in 2023 with former coach Nick Saban.

Georgia fell to 1-7 against Alabama under Smart with a 24-21 loss on