157 – SECOND HALF RUSHING YARDS
The Georgia Bulldogs struggled to find their footing on the ground in the first half against the No. 6 Crimson Tide, finishing the half with only 49 rushing yards. After coming out of the locker room, third- and fourth-string running backs Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker ensured the UGA offense did not feel the loss of Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens. The Dawgs showed they own the line of scrimmage and worn down an Alabama defense.
4 – KEELON RUSSELL SACKS
Georgia silenced doubters with a defensive performance that proved the Bulldogs could pressure a top-10 opponent when it mattered most. With sacks from Chris Cole, KJ Bolden, Quintavious Johnson, Joseph Jonah-Ajonye and Valdin Sone, the Dawgs showed their elite defense can withstand a team like Alabama. The Georgia defense made game-changing plays like the final sack, which knocked the Tide out of field goal range and held them to a three-point deficit.
2.5 – CHRIS COLE TACKLE FOR LOSS
This game solidified Chris Cole’s legacy at the University of Georgia. After game-changing plays against Oklahoma, Cole proved his ability to penetrate the backfield. Cole showed the true power of Georgia’s defense and, against a talented offense, limited the Tide’s opportunities in critical moments.
4 – UGA FUMBLES
Although all of Dawg Nation is on a high from this historic win, some moments had everyone’s watch parties silent. The Dawgs had four fumbles that could have changed the course of the entire game. Ball security is so important in a tight game, and each could have given the Tide opportunities to even up the score, especially Sacovie White-Helton’s muffed punt in the fourth quarter. It is important to highlight how the Dawgs recovered from each fumble, but it is worrying that there were four major mistakes.
120 – DWIGHT PHILLIPS JR. RUSHING YARDS
With Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens both out with injuries, third-string Dwight Phillips Jr. had the game of his career. Phillips did not just fill a gap in the lineup, but he was one of the main contributors to the win against the Tide. Phillips’ performance demonstrated Georgia’s depth at the running back position and its ability to win the physical battle against an elite SEC defense.
3 – SECOND HALF ALABAMA POINTS
Georgia’s defense proved its ability to adjust under pressure, holding Alabama to just three points in the second half after surrendering 14 in the second quarter. The Tide had been averaging 49.6 points per game, yet were held to only 17 total points on Saturday. The fourth-quarter shutout proved especially crucial, keeping Alabama trailing and preserving Georgia’s 20-17 lead.
