"Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second." – Bear Bryant

Earlier this month would have been Bear’s 111^th birthday and as Alabama heads into a monumental matchup against Georgia, we’re reminded of the legendary battles that have defined this rivalry. This weekend, Coach DeBoer will lead the Tide against the Bulldogs for the first time, and the stakes are high.

Interestingly, Bear Bryant faced Georgia in his debut season at Alabama in 1958, where the Tide secured a gritty 12-0 win at Denny Stadium. Since then, these two powerhouse programs have crossed paths in several iconic clashes, building a fierce modern rivalry.

Bear’s First Meeting with Georgia (1958)

In Bear's first game against the Bulldogs, Bama came out victorious with a shutout aided by four interceptions and beginning a trend of defensive domination. Bear Bryant's arrival marked the beginning of a new era of Alabama football, setting the stage for decades of modern success. The 1958 meeting reflected Bryant's signature toughness, grit, and defensive discipline, traits that would define his Alabama teams. His Tide teams beat the Bulldogs 9 times in 12 games played.

Memorable Wins Against The Bulldogs

The Alabama-Georgia rivalry stretches back over a century, with many unforgettable matchups. There are dozens of great games but we chose to highlight a handful of them:

· 1922: One of the earliest meetings between the programs came in 1922 when Alabama defeated Georgia 10-6 in a defensive battle, marking the rise of Alabama’s prominence and starting a five game winning streak over UGA.

· 1960s Dominance: The 1962 game, a 35-0 Alabama victory with Joe Namath as QB, solidified Bear’s dominance over Georgia. The Tide continued to control the series during the Bear Bryant era, cementing Alabama as a powerhouse in college football.

· 2012 SEC Championship Game: Alabama rallied late to defeat Georgia 32-28 in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that sent the Tide to the BCS National Championship.

· 2018 National Championship: In a storybook ending, true freshman Tua Tagovailoa threw the game-winning touchdown in overtime (2^nd and 26 to DeVonta Smith), leading Alabama to a 26-23 victory.

So many big wins over the Bulldogs are etched in Alabama football history, showcasing the Tide's resilience on the biggest stages.

Saban’s Dominance Over UGA

More recently, under Nick Saban, Alabama has consistently bested Georgia, including last season’s 27-24 victory in the SEC Championship game. That win propelled the Tide into the College Football Playoff, keeping the Tide’s dynasty rolling. Coach Saban’s ability to outcoach his opponents in key moments has defined his career, and Georgia has felt that sting time and time again. Saban was 9-2 vs. the Bulldogs during his era as the head of the Bama program including seven straight wins from 2008-2021.

2024 Showdown: Kalen vs. Kirby

Now, Kalen DeBoer is the new man at the helm, inheriting the weight of Alabama’s tradition. With a Top 5 showdown looming, this is DeBoer’s chance to stamp his mark on the rivalry and against a former Saban assistant in Kirby Smart. Georgia enters the game ranked #2, but with home-field advantage, the Crimson Tide will be looking to capitalize on the momentum of their recent wins and continue their dominance.

As the Tide faces the Bulldogs, fans are eager to see how DeBoer’s squad stacks up. Can Alabama continue its winning ways and solidify itself as a frontrunner in the new 12-team College Football Playoff format?

One thing is certain—Alabama’s rivalry with Georgia is alive and well, and another chapter will be written this weekend.

Current Tide Headlines

Miss Terry Selected as College GameDay Guest Picker for Alabama vs. Georgia
Terry Saban, beloved wife of Coach Nick Saban, will be the special guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay ahead of Alabama’s showdown with Georgia. Fans are excited to see her take the spotlight!

Betting Predictions Favor Georgia in Showdown with Alabama
With Georgia slightly favored, betting experts weigh in on what to expect in the highly anticipated Alabama vs. Georgia matchup. Can the Tide pull off the upset?

Alabama vs. Georgia: Game Preview and Predictions
A full preview of the Tide vs. Bulldogs showdown. CBS Sports breaks down the key matchups and offers predictions for this pivotal SEC clash.

Donald Trump to Attend Alabama-Georgia Game
Former President Donald Trump will be in attendance at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Alabama-Georgia game and has reportedly made a unique food request for the big day.

Nate Oats Reveals Why Recruits Choose Alabama Basketball
Coach Nate Oats opens up about the recruiting success of Alabama’s basketball program, sharing insights into the culture and appeal that draw top talent to Tuscaloosa.

Mark Sears Returns to Alabama with ‘Unfinished Business’
Mark Sears explains his decision to return to Alabama for another season, hoping to further contribute to the team’s success and personal development under Coach Oats.

Alabama Tennis Duo Wins at ITA Championships
Alabama men’s tennis doubles duo Foster and Zimnokh (ranked 18^th nationally) secured a two-set victory over Auburn’s doubles team during the ITA All-American Championships.

Alabama Soccer Draws 1-1 Against Missouri
The Crimson Tide soccer team tied 1-1 with Missouri, led by standout performances from Melina Rebimbas.

Alabama Volleyball Set for SEC Showdown vs. Auburn
Alabama volleyball continues its SEC play with a big match against Auburn this Sunday, a contest set to air on SEC Network.

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