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LIVE UPDATES: No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 1 Georgia 24 - FINAL

Palmber-Thombsby:Palmer Thombs•12/02/23•

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ATLANTA, Ga. — It’s finally here. After weeks of knowing the matchup and more discussion than anyone desires for a single game, the time is now. No. 1 Georgia meets No. 8 Alabama in the 2023 SEC Championship Game with not only the conference crown up for grabs, but for the Bulldogs, the ability to secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs on the line.

It’s the sixth meeting of Georgia and Alabama in the Kirby Smart era. We all know how the first five went. In Smart’s second season, the Crimson Tide overcame a halftime deficit to take down the Bulldogs in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Less than a year later, the same was true for a second time – and in the very same building – only this time with the SEC title on the line.

The third and forth meetings went the way of Alabama too, giving the Crimson Tide their 29th SEC title in 2021. However, with an opportunity for redemption – and once again with a trophy on the line – Georgia finally got over the Alabama hurdle on January 10th, 2022 in Indianapolis, claiming the program’s first national championship in 41 years with a 33-18 victory.

Things have changed since then. The Bulldogs have gone on to win another title, and of course an SEC-record 29 games in a row. They enter Saturday’s top-10 showdown against Alabama as the favorite, and for good reason. Everybody knows though that when these two teams meet, just about anything is possible and that it’ll take a complete team effort to take down the Crimson Tide.

Kickoff time for today’s game is set for 4:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Details on how to watch can be found below. But, before the action in Atlanta gets underway, be sure to check out the top stories from DawgsHQ this week to get you in the know about everything Georgia-Alabama.

Pregame Reads

DawgsHQ Staff Predictions: Conference Championships (Georgia-Alabama, others)
Emptying the Notebook: Discussing Georgia injuries ahead of SEC Championship
Georgia vs. Alabama: Keys to a Bulldog victory

Georgia Football injury report and it’s impact against Alabama
What we learned this week as Georgia prepares for Alabama
Who has the edge? Diving into Bulldogs and Crimson Tide for conference title

Palmer’s Players to Watch: Georgia vs. Alabama
Major Matchups: Georgia vs. Alabama for the SEC Championship Game
Georgia’s young linebackers to be counted on again vs. Alabama

Kirby Smart, Nick Saban similarities easy to identify ahead of sixth matchup
Georgia Opponent Preview: Alabama Q&A
ROWE: Why the newest chapter of Georgia-Alabama is different from previous

Bulldogs preparing for “Lamar-like” QB in Alabama’s Jalen Milroe
Georgia has Alabama monkey off its back but will not rely on last meeting for confidence
Front Rowe: Reading into Kirby Smart’s comments at Georgia-Alabama media day

How to Watch, Listen and Stream

Kickoff Time: 4:00 p.m. ET

TV: CBS (Brad Nessler – Play by Play, Gary Danielson – Color Commentator, Jenny Dell – Sideline Reporter)

*** Access CBS and all other channels you need for the best College Football viewing experience with FuboTV and their FREE TRIAL — Fubo’s holiday offer just kicked off, for a limited time, new subscribers can save $40 on Fubo’s Pro, Elite and Premier plans today ($20 off the first and second months) ***

Streaming: Paramount+ (For more info, click here)

Radio: Atlanta (750 AM/95.5 FM), Athens (960 AM/106.1 FM), Augusta (580 AM/95.1 FM), Brunswick (1440 AM, 107.7 FM), Columbus (1270 AM/102.5 FM), Macon (106.3 FM), Savannah (1400 AM/104.3 FM), Sirius XM (TBD), Online at www.georgiadogs.com/watch/

STREAM | LISTEN | STATS

As always, there’s one more way to keep up with the goings on in this game. In the space below, DawgsHQ will be providing live updates, scores, highlights and news from before and during the game. Just use the refresh button on your browser to see those updates as they roll in.

Fourth Quarter

  • FINAL – Alabama takes two knees and will win the 2023 SEC Championship Game 27-24 over Georgia. First loss for the Bulldogs in 30 games. Now they await their bowl fate.
  • TIMEOUT UGA (3) – Third and final for Georgia with 1:15 to go. Counting on a fumbled snap with 2nd and 8 after the break.
  • Milroe carries for the first down and that should down it.
  • TIMEOUT UGA (2) – Alabama runs for a gain of 2 to the UGA 43. Timeout with 1:57 to go.
  • Jalen Milroe takes off for 30 yards into UGA territory and slides to keep clock running.
  • Alabama will take over at its 25 after the kickoff with 2:51 remaining. UGA has two timeouts.
  • TOUCHDOWN UGA – Kendall Milton follows his fullback in from a yard out. PAT is good. (UGA 27-24 2:52 4Q)
  • TIMEOUT UGA (1) – Georgia comes up short two plays in a row. Looked like Beck might’ve been in on the first of them. Timeout with 2:54 to go facing 4th and 1.
  • Carson Beck to Brock Bowers for a gain to the 6. 1st and Goal.
  • Completion to Mekhi Mews moves the chains. UGA ball at the 26.
  • Facemask on Alabama gives Georgia possession in Bulldog territory.
  • Georgia goes for it on a 4th and 1 and converts. Daijun Edwards moves the chains.
  • TOUCHDOWN BAMA – Two plays later, Alabama gets in. Roydell Williams carries from a yard out. PAT is good. (BAMA 27-17 5:47)
  • After being on the receiving end of a key third down conversion, Isaiah Bond gets into the end zone from 12 yards out. Review determines he’s half a yard short of the goal line.
  • Immediately followed by a Roydell Williams rush for 9 unto UGA territory.
  • Isaiah Bond with a pickup of 21 to the BAMA 46.
  • TOUCHDOWN GEORGIA – Carson Beck to Ladd McConkey. That play picked up 15 yards. He’s taken down at the 1. Georgia punches it in a play later on a QB sneak by Beck. PAT is good. (BAMA 20-17 10:16 4Q)
  • After back to back runs, Georgia throws it and draws a pass interference penalty. Fresh set of downs at the BAMA 16.
  • PUNT BAMA – Georgia gets tricky on the punt. Bulldogs put two guys back and fake out the punt team to an extent. Anthony Evans with a nice return to the BAMA 35.
  • Milroe completes, but his pass catcher comes up short of the line to gain. Alabama punt team coming on.
  • Jalen Milroe sacked on 2nd and 8 to set up a 3rd and 19 from the BAMA 11. Tramel Walthour with the takedown. Loss of 12 yards on the play.
  • PUNT UGA – Beck almost intercepted on 3rd and 13. Georgia punt team to come on. Fair caught at the BAMA 20 when Crimson Tide take over.
  • Carson Beck takes a sack on the first play back. Loss of 3.

Third Quarter

  • END 3Q – Georgia moves the chains on two plays as we head to the fourth. Will be Bulldog ball at their own 38 after the break in action.
  • FIELD GOAL BAMA – Big tackle by Daylen Everette on the Jalen Milroe keeper followed by a pass breakup by Javon Bullard from Javon Bullard on 3rd and 9. Will Reichard makes the short field goal. (BAMA 20-10 0:48 3Q)
  • FUMBLE UGA – Fumbled exchange on a reverse attempt and Alabama recovers. Crimson Tide ball at the 11.
  • Dillon Bell with a clutch catch on 3rd and 3. Had the Alabama defender all over him. Moves the chains.
  • PUNT BAMA – Georgia will take over at its own 6 after a fair catch by Mekhi Mews.
  • Jalon Walker with a sack on Jalen Milroe. Alabama fans thinking he stayed up. Georgia fans thinking the horse collar tackle earlier in the drive wasn’t a good call. Either way, loss of 12 knocks Alabama out of field goal range. Crimson Tide punt team coming on.
  • Xavian Sorey called for a horse collar tackle. Gives Alabama the ball in Georgia territory.
  • Milroe finds Jermaine Burton for first down yardage.
  • Georgia speeds Jalen Milroe up for a first-down incompletion. Forces him out of the pocket for just a 2-yard gain on second down. 3rd and 8.
  • FIELD GOAL UGA – Peyton Woodring makes from 34 yards out. One score game. (BAMA 17-10 8:51 3Q)
  • Georgia can’t convert in the red zone and will kick a field goal. Woodring missed from 50 earlier today. This one is from 34.
  • Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry down on the play. Being attended to by trainers.
  • Quick review, call stands. Georgia ball at the Alabama 19.
  • Arian Smith makes the big play folks have been waiting for. Picks up 51 yards to the BAMA 19. Play will go under review.
  • PUNT BAMA – Fair catch called for by Mekhi Mews at the 30 yard line. UGA to start its second drive of the half there.
  • Georgia defense does its job and is off the field in three. Roydell Williams taken down for a loss of a yard on 2nd and 7, and Jalen Milroe’s third down pass falls incomplete.
  • PUNT UGA – Brett Thorson punt goes for a touchback. Alabama ball at the 25.
  • Georgia punt team comes on after a 3rd and 1 attempt losses a yard.
  • Nice run by Daijun Edwards to pick up first down yardage on 2nd and 6. Gain of 8 yards to the UGA 37.
  • KICKOFF – Georgia will start the second half at the 25 after a touchback, moving right to left on your screen.

Second Quarter

  • END 2Q – No points for Georgia, and the Bulldogs will go into the locker room down 17-7.
  • Georgia has just one timeout to go with 48 seconds left in the half. Try to go get points and make it a one-score game going into the half or sit on it and trail by 10. That’s the decision for Kirby Smart.
  • TOUCHDOWN BAMA – Milroe completes to Jermaine Burton. PAT is good. (BAMA 17-7 0:48 2Q)
  • And the Crimson Tide get it. 22-yard gain to the UGA 15 on a completion to Isaiah Bond.
  • Let’s try this again. Alabama on the field to go for it again.
  • TIMEOUT BAMA (2) – Milroe tries to draw Georgia offsides and calls a timeout of its own.
  • Alabama coming on the field to go for it on 4th and 4.
  • TIMEOUT UGA (2) – Jalen Milroe completes, but it’s short of the line to gain. Will be 4th and 4 from the 37 with 1:25 to go in the half. Would be a 54 yard field goal from here.
  • TIMEOUT BAMA (1) – Nick Saban calls for a timeout ahead of the big third down. 1:34 remaining in the first half.
  • Jalen Milroe sacked for a loss of 11. Warren Brinson with the big play to force another third down.
  • Alabama converts on a 3rd and 2, but it was close. Not close enough to bring out the chain gang.
  • Malaki Starks called for a pass interference on a shot downfield to Jermaine Burton.
  • Alabama takes over at the BAMA 32.
  • NO GOOD FIELD GOAL UGA – Georgia is called for a false start, and Woodring misses from 50 yards. Hit the right upright. First miss for the freshman since Week 3.
  • Beck is sacked on a 3rd and 12, and field goal team will come on.
  • Beck scrambles for a first down on 3rd and 7. Picks up 9 to the Bama 19.
  • Carson Beck completes to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint to get Georgia into Bama territory.
  • Georgia picks up the 3rd and 2 with a run up the middle by Daijun Edwards. Fresh set of downs at the UGA 37.
  • Milton carries and is tackled by Trezman Marshall. He’s leading Alabama in tackles so far.
  • Kendall Milton picks up four yards after the touchback on kickoff to get Georgia’s fourth drive started.
  • TOUCHDOWN BAMA – Jalen Milroe to Jam Miller for 28 yards and the score. Crimson Tide take their first lead today. PAT is good. (BAMA 10-7 12:04 2Q)
  • Holding penalty on Alabama will back the Tide up on first down. Now it’s 1st and 20 from the 28.
  • Amarius Mims is back on the Georgia sideline and moving around well.
  • And Alabama picks up the 4th and 1. Fresh set of downs at the UGA 18.
  • Crimson Tide come up short on 3rd and 1. Looks like they’ll go for it.
  • Alabama picks up some yardage on a completion to Kobe Prentice and will add more with a facemask on Javon Bullard. Bama ball at the UGA 29.
  • Amarius Mims reportedly has gone to the locker room with a right ankle injury. That would explain Xavier Truss at right tackle.

First Quarter

  • END 1Q – Javon Bullard nearly comes up with an interception, and Alabama is called for an illegal man downfield. Bama ball when play resumes facing second down.
  • Another Alabama first down with a Milroe completion to Williams. Bama ball at the 37.
  • Roydell Williams picks up 12 on the first play from scrimmage.
  • PUNT UGA – Thorson makes up for his last one by booming the punt and pinning Alabama inside its own 10. Caleb Downs calls for fair catch at the 8.
  • Alabama gets the third down stop with a Daijun Edwards loss of one. Punt team on for Georgia.
  • TIMEOUT UGA (1) – Play clock runs down and Kirby Smart calls for a timeout to avoid the penalty. Georgia facing an important 3rd and 2, trying to stay on the field instead of going three-and-out a second straight drive.
  • Micah Morris in at left guard. Xavier Truss at right tackle.
  • FIELD GOAL BAMA – Will Reichard makes from 43 yards out as the Georgia defense gets a red zone stop. (UGA 7-3 3:43 1Q)
  • Christen Miller TFL (loss of 6 yards) and nice coverage by Dan Jackson on top of the pressure brings on the Alabama field goal team.
  • Quarterback run killing Georgia on this drive. Jalen Milroe has carries on three of the five plays so far. Alabama at the UGA 19.
  • PUNT UGA – Short-ish punt by Brett Thorson goes out of bounds at the BAMA 49. Crimson Tide to take over there.
  • Georgia loses yardage on the first play from scrimmage and goes three-and-out.
  • PUNT BAMA – Crimson Tide go three-and-out for the second straight drive. Mekhi Mews calls for a fair catch at the UGA 13.
  • Malaki Starks with a big pass breakup to prevent a chunk yardage gain by Alabama. 3rd and 4 for the Tide.
  • Zirkel’s kick sails into the end zone for a touchback this time. Alabama to start at the BAMA 25.
  • TOUCHDOWN UGA – Kendall Milton carries it in from 17 yards out. Eighth straight game the senior RB has scored. Peyton Woodring PAT is good. (UGA 7-0 9:31 1Q)
  • Ladd McConkey makes an impact on his first play. Completion picks up 15 yards to the BAMA 20.
  • UGA is in Alabama territory with an 18-yard pickup by Dominic Lovett.
  • Brock Bowers on the receiving end of first play from scrimmage. He picks up 23 yards to the UGA 40.
  • PUNT BAMA – Alabama punt goes out of bounds at the UGA 17.
  • Georgia forces a three-and-out with a third down sack. Couple of different looks for UGA on the first drive. Xavian Sorey, Dan Jackson, Damon Wilson and Gabe Harris all getting valuable snaps early.
  • Jalen Milroe nearly throws an interception on the first play from scrimmage.
  • KICKOFF – Jared Zirkel kickoff goes out of bounds. Alabama will start with the ball on the 35.

Pregame

  • Georgia has won the toss and deferred. Dawgs will kick right to left to start this SEC Championship Game.
  • Van Pran wearing the No. 77 jersey today.
  • Captains for Georgia: Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard and Sedrick Van Pran. Dawgs are the “road” team and will call the toss.
  • On the Alabama side, running back Jase McClellan is in uniform and going through warmups.
  • Rara Thomas not dressed out. Other three injury questions we’ve been looking at appear to be giving it a go.
  • First team offensive line features the OG group: Earnest Greene, Xavier Truss, Sedrick Van Pran, Tate Ratledge, Amarius Mims (left to right)
  • Both teams have now taken the field, and based on the noise, seems there’s a bigger Georgia contingent. Lots of empty seats still.
  • Second group has come out for warmups in full uniform. Ladd McConkey catching punts.
  • Julian Humphrey in street clothes, and Jamon Dumas-Johnson is not with the inside linebackers as they come onto the field.
  • Both Bowers and McConkey have braces on their banged up ankles.
  • Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey going through initial warmups. McConkey is in shorts and t-shirt as opposed to football pants, but other receivers are as well. Rara Thomas not with the receivers as of now.
  • When being early pays off… Tate Ratledge, Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey all a part of the pregame run-through of starting lineup announcements at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Take that for what it’s worth.

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