Ever since December, college football fans constantly pondered the question; “Can Alabama pull through strong like they did in the 2021 championship a second time?” A month later, on January 10, the nation settled its wonders when the Georgia Bulldogs beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 33-18 in the 2021 NCAA National Championship. With a seven-game losing streak against Alabama, Georgia went into the game with drive and purpose. Fans counted on Alabama’s quarterback and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young, and Georgia’s quarterback, Stetson Bennett, to lead their respective teams in the direction of a national title. Despite Georgia’s loss in the SEC Championship last December to Alabama, Georgia fans still believed the Bulldogs could bring home the trophy.

“I hope Alabama is ready for a great football team to come and give them a hard time. I think it’s going to be a good game and Go Dawgs,” AP biology teacher Jennifer Johnson said.

On January 10, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana occupied thousands of fans mainly dressed in red attire to see Georgia and Alabama face off in a heavily hyped matchup. Georgia’s first touchdown occurred with 1:20 left in the third quarter when running back James Cook took a 67-yard run into the Crimson Tide’s territory which led to a 1-yard score by Zamir White. Georgia and Alabama’s defense went back and forth all night, making for a rather boring first half of football with a combined five field goals.

The most controversial moment of the night occurred when Bennett attempted to throw the ball away after scrambling out of the pocket, which slipped loose and bounced toward the sideline. Alabama defensive player Brian Branch caught the ball freely as he went out of bounds. Shockingly, Branch’s play got ruled as a fumble, giving the Tide the ball in the Bulldog red zone. Young passed to tight end Cameron Latu for a 3-yard touchdown giving Alabama a 18-13 edge in the fourth quarter. At this point, hope began to fade for the Bulldogs.

 Bennett then made up for the fumble with three passes for 68 yards, and a long strike to Adonai Mitchell for a touchdown with 8:09 left, leaving the Bulldogs with a one-point lead. After another impressive defensive stunt, Georgia took all control when Bennett passed to tight end Brock Browers for a 15-yard touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up by eight points with only 3:33 left. Young then misfired a pass that ended up as an interception in the hands of Kelee Ringo who took it for a pick six and ultimately put the National Championship to rest. 

             Alabama fans blame the score on the absence of wide receivers John Metchie and Jameson William due to an injury, while others believe Georgia deserved their win.

“While I am disappointed, I am happy for my friends who are Georgia fans. It had been 41 years since their last championship and I know how frustrated they were and I realize how great it has been for Alabama fans over the last dozen years,” AP Government and Microeconomics teacher Steven Butler said.

People could not believe Georgia’s victory, considering the Bulldogs (14-1) had not won a national title since 1980. Not only did Georgia surprisingly break through the drought, but breaking through against Alabama (13-2) made them even more impressive.

“I expected them to win! I predicted that they would win 27-24 on social media. It was surreal. Joy and relief seeing that I was 8 years-old when they won their last championship,” AP Psychology teacher William Hargis said.

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William Hargis

AP Psychology teacher, William Hargis, shows himself and his two children in Georgia Bulldogs merchandise from head to toe. Hargis knew Georgia’s capabilities and expected Georgia to win, and words can not explain his excitement.

Georgia had a great season this year and hopefully this win helped Georgia know their capabilities. Fingers crossed Georgia can continue their brilliant performances in the next season.