The world of college football is known for its intense rivalries, and one of the most thrilling matchups in recent years has been the showdown between Georgia Tech and Alabama. These two storied programs have been battling it out on the gridiron for decades, with each team looking to prove its superiority over the other.
The history between these two teams is rich and complex, with a series of ups and downs that have contributed to the growth of this rivalry. From the early days of the Southeastern Conference to the present, Georgia Tech and Alabama have been locked in a struggle for supremacy that has captivated fans and pundits alike.
As we look ahead to the next installment of this rivalry, let's take a closer look at the history, stats, and storylines that make this matchup so compelling.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between Georgia Tech and Alabama took place in 1902, with the Yellow Jackets emerging victorious by a score of 18-6. Since then, the two teams have met on 51 occasions, with Alabama holding a slight edge in the overall series with a record of 28-21-2.
However, in recent years, the rivalry has been marked by a series of close, hard-fought battles. In 2011, Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset over the Crimson Tide, marking one of the biggest wins in program history. Alabama responded with a 34-24 victory in 2014, but the Yellow Jackets bounced back with a 30-24 win in 2017.
Key Stats and Trends
As we look ahead to the next matchup between these two teams, here are some key stats and trends to keep in mind:
- Alabama has won 12 of the last 15 meetings between the two teams, including a 5-game winning streak from 1995-2000.
- Georgia Tech has had success running the ball against Alabama, averaging over 200 yards per game on the ground in the last 5 meetings.
- The Crimson Tide has been nearly unbeatable at home, with a 14-2 record in Tuscaloosa against the Yellow Jackets.
- Georgia Tech has been more competitive on the road, with a 4-3 record in the last 7 meetings against Alabama.
The Coaches
One of the key factors that has contributed to the growth of this rivalry has been the presence of two highly successful coaches: Nick Saban and Paul Johnson.
Saban, the legendary Alabama coach, has been at the helm of the Crimson Tide since 2007 and has led the team to 6 national championships. Johnson, on the other hand, spent 11 seasons at Georgia Tech and led the Yellow Jackets to 9 bowl appearances.
While Johnson is no longer at the helm of Georgia Tech, his legacy continues to be felt in the program. New coach Geoff Collins is looking to build on the success of his predecessor and take the rivalry with Alabama to the next level.
The Players
As we look ahead to the next installment of this rivalry, here are some key players to keep an eye on:
- Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa: The sophomore signal-caller has been lights out for the Crimson Tide, throwing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in the last 5 games against Georgia Tech.
- Georgia Tech RB Jordan Mason: The junior running back has been a workhorse for the Yellow Jackets, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the last 2 seasons.
- Alabama LB Dylan Moses: The junior linebacker has been a tackling machine for the Crimson Tide, with over 100 tackles in each of the last 2 seasons.
- Georgia Tech DE Desmond Branch: The senior defensive end has been a force off the edge for the Yellow Jackets, with over 10 sacks in each of the last 2 seasons.
The Matchup
So what can we expect when these two teams meet on the gridiron? Here's a breakdown of the key matchups to watch:
- Alabama's offense vs. Georgia Tech's defense: The Crimson Tide's high-powered offense, led by Tagovailoa, will look to exploit the Yellow Jackets' defense, which has struggled at times against the run.
- Georgia Tech's running game vs. Alabama's front seven: The Yellow Jackets' running game, led by Mason, will look to control the tempo of the game and keep the Alabama offense off the field.
- Alabama's special teams vs. Georgia Tech's special teams: The Crimson Tide's special teams unit, led by freshman kicker Will Reichard, will look to outperform the Yellow Jackets' unit, which has been inconsistent at times.
The Verdict
So who will emerge victorious in the next installment of this rivalry? While it's impossible to predict with certainty, here's a breakdown of the key factors that will decide the outcome:
- Alabama's offense vs. Georgia Tech's defense: If the Crimson Tide can exploit the Yellow Jackets' defense and get off to a fast start, it could be a long day for Georgia Tech.
- Georgia Tech's running game vs. Alabama's front seven: If the Yellow Jackets can control the tempo of the game and keep the Alabama offense off the field, they may be able to pull off an upset.
- Alabama's special teams vs. Georgia Tech's special teams: The team that wins the special teams battle may have an edge in this game.
Ultimately, the outcome will depend on which team can execute its game plan and make the necessary adjustments on the fly. One thing is certain, however: this rivalry is always worth watching.
Gallery of Georgia Tech vs Alabama Rivalry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the all-time record between Georgia Tech and Alabama?
+Alabama leads the all-time series 28-21-2.
Who has been the most successful coach in the rivalry?
+Nick Saban has been the most successful coach in the rivalry, with a 12-3 record against Georgia Tech.
What is the highest-scoring game in the rivalry?
+The highest-scoring game in the rivalry was a 55-41 Alabama win in 2014.
We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the Georgia Tech vs Alabama rivalry. Whether you're a die-hard fan of one of these teams or just a casual observer, this matchup is always worth watching.