After a terrific back-and-forth affair, the Georgia Bulldogs are 2021-2022 College Football National Champions. In what was a fabulous display of elite-level football, the Bulldogs came out on top, 33-18. Alabama and Georgia treated diehard and casual fans alike to a memorable game in the College Football National Championship. With the rosters as stacked as they are, this game was destined for greatness. And despite what seems like a lopsided score, Alabama vs. Georgia delivered.
Alabama vs. Georgia Final Score: 33-18
In the end, the Bulldogs exacted some revenge on their SEC rivals. Following their loss to the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game, it was clear the proper adjustments were made by head coach Kirby Smart and Co. Georgia’s defensive game plan worked, and it led them to victory.
Georgia pressured Heisman Trophy winner Alabama QB Bryce Young regularly. They kept Crimson Tide RB Brian Robinson at bay just a week after running for 204 yards. And better yet, they also saw some offensive success of their own late in the game.
A battle of field goals leads to fourth-quarter fireworks
The teams traded field goals for the majority of the first three quarters. In fact, it was the first national championship without a first-half touchdown since 2011. Georgia kept Alabama out of the end zone, and the Crimson Tide did the same to the Bulldogs. That was, of course, until the fourth quarter.
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett created a legacy of his own with 2 fourth-quarter touchdown passes. All told, Bennett finished the game with 224 passing yards and those 2 scores. But the real story was the Georgia defense. They intercepted Young twice, including the game-sealing pick-six from CB Kelee Ringo.
This was even though star wide receiver Jameson Williams was lost with a knee injury midway through the second quarter. The game plan changed for the Crimson Tide following Williams’ injury and relegated Heisman Trophy winner to making plays on his own and attempting to elevate a young, talented receiving corps without their top two targets.
Georgia’s defense bends but doesn’t break
On multiple occasions, Alabama threatened to break this game wide open. Instead, the Georgia defense was relentless. They were dialed in on pressuring Young all game long but really stepped it up a notch in the red zone. It didn’t matter whether it was pressure off four-man rushes or elaborate blitz packages — the Dawgs got home.
It all led to a string of drives ending in field goals for Alabama. Of their first four scoring possessions (all field goals), only two gained positive yards once the Crimson Tide got beyond the 20-yard line.
Future stars shine bright
As great as the Georgia defense is in placing players in the 2022 NFL Draft, the future is bright for next fall in Athens and Tuscaloosa. As such, expect to hear about both of these teams heavily when discussing the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ringo made multiple plays in coverage in addition to his 79-yard pick-six. Bulldogs DT Jalen Carter blocked a field goal and paved the way as a fullback for Georgia’s first touchdown. Of course, this is without mentioning Young and Alabama edge defender Will Anderson, each of which could be the first player taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The embarrassment of riches that is each of these rosters goes even further. True freshman tight end Brock Bowers had his moments in this one for Georgia. Bowers extended the Bulldogs’ lead from 19-18 to 25-18 with his breakaway 15-yard score in the fourth quarter. Fellow true freshman cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry also had moments in coverage for the Crimson Tide.
Each team is stacked with stars for this and the next two NFL drafts. And each should be favorites to return to this very spot next year. Until then, however, the Georgia Bulldogs are your College Football National Champions.