Georgia Dominates Alabama 28–7 to Capture SEC Championship and Cement Playoff Berth

In a long-awaited breakthrough, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs overwhelmed the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide 28–7 on Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, capturing their second consecutive SEC Championship and ending a string of heartbreaks against their longtime nemesis in the title game.

The victory not only avenged Georgia's earlier season loss to Alabama but also marked head coach Kirby Smart's first win over the Crimson Tide in an SEC Championship setting. Previously 0–4 against Alabama in the conference title game and 1–7 overall, Smart finally flipped the script, guiding Georgia (12–1) to its 16th SEC title and a likely first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Fast Start Fueled by Special Teams and Defense

Georgia wasted no time asserting dominance. A blocked punt by Cole Speer in the first quarter set up a short field, and quarterback Gunner Stockton capitalized with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Roderick Robinson II. Just minutes later, Daylen Everette intercepted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, and Stockton again delivered, this time connecting with Dillon Bell for a 14–0 lead.

The Bulldogs' defense was relentless, holding Alabama to just 17 rushing yards in the first half and 209 total yards for the game. Alabama's offense, which had shown flashes of explosiveness throughout the season, was stifled by Georgia's pressure and physicality. The Crimson Tide managed only four first downs through three quarters and were 3-of-13 on third down conversions.

Stockton Shines Under Pressure

Making his first SEC Championship start, sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton delivered a poised and efficient performance. He completed 20 of 26 passes for 156 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple receivers and executing the game plan with precision.

Stockton's final touchdown pass-a 13-yard screen to Zachariah Branch with 6:51 remaining-put the game out of reach at 28–7 and capped a night of near-flawless execution in the red zone. Georgia converted all four of its red zone trips into touchdowns, a stark contrast to Alabama's lone score late in the fourth quarter.

Alabama's Offense Falters

For Alabama (10–3), the loss was a sobering end to a season that had seen the Crimson Tide rebound from early struggles to reach the SEC title game. Quarterback Ty Simpson, who had led Alabama to a 24–21 win over Georgia in September, struggled mightily under pressure. He completed 19 of 39 passes for 212 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

The Tide's ground game was virtually nonexistent, finishing with negative rushing yards-a testament to Georgia's defensive front. Alabama's only score came early in the fourth quarter when Simpson connected with Germie Bernard for a 23-yard touchdown, but by then, the outcome was all but sealed.

Kirby Smart's Redemption

For Kirby Smart, the win was more than just another trophy-it was personal. A former Alabama assistant under Nick Saban, Smart had long struggled to overcome his mentor. Saturday's win not only gave Georgia its first SEC title game victory over Alabama under Smart but also marked the Bulldogs' third conference championship in four years.

"It's not about redemption," Smart said after the game. "It's about our team. Our team was really physical tonight and played an excellent game".

Playoff Implications

With the win, Georgia secured a top-four seed and a first-round bye in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs' only blemish this season was the narrow September loss to Alabama, a defeat they've now avenged in emphatic fashion.

For Alabama, the loss means that they will have to open the playoffs on the road at Oklahoma - who defeated the Tide just last month. A loss would mean that Oklahoma would have defeated Alabama three times in Coach DeBoer's first two seasons leading the Tide., Alabama did get in the playoffs. Notre Dame was leap frogged by Miami who beat them earlier this season.

Looking Ahead

Georgia's performance Saturday night sent a clear message: the Bulldogs are peaking at the right time. With a balanced offense, a suffocating defense, and a head coach who has finally conquered his biggest hurdle, Georgia enters the postseason as a legitimate national title contender.

As for Alabama, the focus now shifts to the playoff selection committee. With a 10–3 record and a lopsided loss in the SEC title game, the Tide's postseason fate hangs in the balance.

For fans across the South-especially in Alabama, where football is a year-round passion-this game will be remembered as a turning point in the Georgia-Alabama rivalry. And for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, it's a long-awaited triumph that could be the springboard to another national championship run.