Georgia Wins First National Championship Since 1980

Jayden Barfuss, Staff Writer

The Georgia Bulldogs finally did it; they beat Alabama for the first time in a long time and won their first National Championship since 1980 on the same night. Georgia defeated Alabama 33-18 to finish their wonderful season 14-1.

The game started off slow with both defenses really settling in, but Alabama cracked the scoreboard first with a 37-yard field goal by Will Reichard to open the scoring 3-0. Georgia would answer to start the second quarter with a 24-yard field goal by Jack Podlesny to make the score 3-3. 

Alabama kicked two more field goals to make the score 9-3, but Georgia would end the half with a field goal to make the game 9-6. Finally, the first touchdown was scored by Georgia Running back Zamir White with a 1-yard run to put the Bulldogs ahead 13-6.

The fourth quarter turned this boring national championship into a thriller as Alabama cut Georgia’s lead to 13-12, and then a costly fumble by Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett set up the Alabama touchdown, a 3-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Bryce Young to tight end Cameron Latu. 

Alabama then failed the 2 point conversion, so they led Georgia 18-13. Stetson Bennett took over and threw 2 touchdown passes: one to Adonai Mitchell from 40 yards to make the score 19-18, then to Brock Bowers for 15 yards to put them up 26-19. 

On the last drive of the game, Georgia had a pick 6 by Kelee Ringo to win 33-18.

Thunder Ridge parent Doug Barfuss thought it was a great game. “It was a great game for sure and I am glad Georgia won”. 

Georgia got over the hump and finished their season as champions, which is all you can ask for as a college football coach, player, or fan.