Alabama Again Stands At a Pivotal Juncture for Georgia Football

Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks into Bryant-Denny Stadium prior to the game with Mississippi Rebels. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

In 2002, Mark Richt’s second season, Georgia defeated Arkansas in the SEC Championship game. But to reach the SEC title game, the Dawgs had to drive through Tuscaloosa. In a historical affair, the Dawgs earned their first ever win in Tuscaloosa behind Billy Bennett’s 32 yard field goal with 38 seconds left, 27 – 25. The Championship was the Dogs first in 20 years.

The 2002 season began a four season Georgia run that saw the Dawgs play in three SEC Championship games, winning twice. The win in Tuscaloosa was the first of three straight Georgia wins over the Tide, a streak that led Georgia a step from the elite college football platform. Waiting to block Georgia ascendance in 2008 was once again Alabama.

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