usatoday
Since Kirby Smart took over as Georgia's head coach after the 2015 season, the Bulldogs have become a dominant force in college football. Under his guidance, a program that once consistently fell short of its ultimate goals has transformed into a juggernaut, amassing a 114-16 record since 2017, securing four SEC championships, and claiming two national titles—the first of which ended a 41-year championship drought.
However, Smart's success has not extended to games against Alabama, the program where he served as defensive coordinator under Nick Saban from 2008 to 2015. In his 11 seasons at Georgia, Smart's teams have defeated the Crimson Tide only twice, resulting in a 2-7 record. That stark contrast is even more pronounced when compared to his 120-14 record against all other opponents.
Since 2017, when Smart first faced Alabama, he is 2-7 against the Tide and 112-9 against everyone else. When questioned about his record against Alabama after a 2024 loss, Smart defended his team's performance: "What's everybody else's record against them? Anybody got one better than 1-6 that's played them six times? I don't think so."
Alabama's 24-21 victory in 2025 snapped Georgia's 33-game home winning streak, which dated back to 2019. It was also the first time Smart had faced the Tide in Sanford Stadium, a factor that may have contributed to his struggles. Three of his losses to Alabama have come in the SEC championship game.
Smart has fared slightly better against Kalen DeBoer, who replaced Saban after the 2024 season, going 1-2 against him, compared to a 1-5 record against Saban. Despite the losing record, the Bulldogs have been competitive in most of these matchups; five of the seven losses were decided by one score.
When Georgia has beaten Alabama, the wins have been significant. In the 2021 national championship game, the Bulldogs defeated the Crimson Tide 33-18 to claim their first national title since 1980. Last season, Georgia dominated Alabama 28-7 in the SEC championship game, securing their third conference title in four years and a No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Key Analysis
Smart's overall dominance at Georgia is undeniable, but the Alabama rivalry remains a rare blemish. With the two teams set to meet again on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Smart will have another opportunity to narrow the gap against his former employer. The game features No. 2 Georgia against No. 7 Alabama, both with national championship aspirations.
Game-by-Game Results
- Jan. 8, 2018: Alabama 26, Georgia 23
- Dec. 1, 2018: Alabama 35, Georgia 28
- Oct. 17, 2020: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
- Dec. 4, 2021: Alabama 41, Georgia 24
- Jan. 10, 2022: Georgia 33, Alabama 18
- Dec. 2, 2023: Alabama 27, Georgia 24
- Sept. 28, 2024: Alabama 41, Georgia 34
- Sept. 27, 2025: Alabama 24, Georgia 21
- Dec. 6, 2025: Georgia 28, Alabama 7
College Football Playoff championship game
* SEC championship game
Originally reported by usatoday.