The Georgia Bulldogs are finally national champions! The years of heartbreak are in the rearview mirror for Bulldog nation.
Kirby Smart, Stetson Bennett, Nakobe Dean, and Georgia prevailed in a 33-18 victory over Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Georgia ended a seven-game losing streak against Alabama in a back-and-forth national championship win.
A low-scoring first half featured stout red zone defense and an unfortunate injury to star Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams. Alabama held a 9-6 halftime lead over Georgia.
Georgia overcame penalties, settling for field goals, and poor first-half offensive line play with their physical play and several clutch performances in the second half. Zamir White scored Georgia’s first touchdown late in the third quarter after a 67-yard James Cook run, which came one play after Jalen Carter blocked a 48-yard Alabama field goal attempt.
The Dawgs slowed down Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young throughout the game. Young averaged only 6.5 yards per attempt in Alabama’s loss. UGA disrupted Young and forced him into a pair of second-half interceptions.
The game could’ve changed to the all-too-familiar story against Alabama when Stetson Bennett fumbled the ball deep in Georgia territory early in the fourth quarter. Several plays later Alabama scored a touchdown to go up 18-13. Things looked bleak for Georgia.
This was ruled a fumble and recovered by Alabama.#NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/vLodwzPZJP
— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2022
On the next drive, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett had to prove his championship resilience. Bennett walked on to Georgia, transferred to Jones College, and then transferred back to UGA and won a national title against college football’s best dynasty of all time. You know the story. It is the sort of thing that Hollywood makes movies about and members of the media never stop talking about.
Bennett, who was crying tears of joy following Kelee Ringo’s interception return for a touchdown, hit Jermaine Burton for an 18-yard pass after his fumble. After an Alabama penalty and a completion, the Crimson Tide sacked Bennett for one of their five sacks on the day. Facing second-and-18, Stetson Bennett connected with Adonai Mitchell on a 40-yard touchdown pass. Georgia never looked back.
The Bulldogs forced an Alabama three-and-out. Georgia’s offensive line dominated Alabama as the Dawgs drove the ball into the red zone behind a spirited rushing attack. Later, Stetson Bennett connected with Brock Bowers to score another touchdown. UGA helped a 26-18 lead.
The Dawgs needed to stop Bryce Young and Alabama to win a national championship. Young and the Crimson Tide drove the ball near midfield before he threw a third-down interception to UGA’s Kelee Ringo. Ringo returned the pick to the house to seal Georgia’s 33-18 national championship win.
Several things stand out for the Dawgs.
Kirby Smart and the coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for switching up his offensive line. Smart subbed in Broderick Jones midway through the second quarter. Jones played well against Will Anderson and helped the Bulldogs run the football. Anderson is the best pass rusher in college football and has the most sacks in the country.
Stetson Bennett withstood nearly three touchdown-less quarters, five sacks, and a devastating late turnover to throw a pair of touchdown passes while winning a championship.
Georgia’s defense held up strong in the red zone. The Bulldogs had one extra red zone opportunity in the half thanks to Kelee Ringo’s effort. Alabama tight end Cameron Latu beat Kelee Ringo on an out route and raced towards the end zone. Ringo didn’t give up. He chased down Latu and UGA held the Crimson Tide to a field goal.
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