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Every Dawg has its day, but Saturday wasn’t it for the Bulldogs

Fans share their disappointment and frustration at the loss to Alabama. “It’s the Saban curse,” said Gene Trull of Marietta.
Georgia fans react after Alabama scored their last touchdown during the fourth quarter of Georgia’s loss to Alabama during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Saturday, December. 2, 2023, in Atlanta. Alabama won 27-24. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)
Georgia fans react after Alabama scored their last touchdown during the fourth quarter of Georgia’s loss to Alabama during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Saturday, December. 2, 2023, in Atlanta. Alabama won 27-24. (Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)
By Julia Taylor – For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dec 3, 2023

Georgia fans were stunned, broken-hearted and frustrated Saturday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as they not only saw their 29-game winning streak end but also watched the SEC Championship slip away.

“I’m never coming to another Georgia-Alabama game again,” said Chris Hanes, 43, of Warner Robbins as he walked out of the stadium Saturday night.

“I’ve never seen Georgia beat Bama in the dome,” said Gene Trull, 63, of Marietta. “It’s the Saban curse.”

Current UGA students may not have had the years of loss to Alabama head coach Nick Saban behind them, but the loss stung nonetheless.

“I’m afraid what I say may not be very nice,” said Sam Capps, a sophomore from Augusta. “But I don’t feel real good right now.”

An even younger fan didn’t hold back.

“I felt sad, mad, and I wanted to punch Nick Saban in the face,” said Shep Johnson, 10, of Atlanta.

As if the loss itself wasn’t bad enough, fans were also worried that Alabama might make its way into the national championship playoffs instead of Georgia.

“I am so disappointed,” said Lu Ann Parker, 52, of Peachtree City. “I just hope that if the playoff committee does not choose Georgia, then they don’t choose Alabama and they give a spot to Texas instead.”

As the loss sank in, some fans managed to be grateful that the Bulldogs have had such a remarkable winning streak. And they were proud of the way the Dawgs played.

“Obviously, I am disappointed with the outcome of the game, but I sure like the fight in my Dawgs!” said Denise Wilhelm, 63, also of Peachtree City.

“You know you can’t win all the time,” said Nancy Holton, 70, of Bishop.” I really hate it when Georgia plays and wins by 30 and 40 points, but tonight was a great game. They did their best. I’m proud of them.”

Alabama defeats Georgia: related coverage

Alabama defeated No. 1-ranked Georgia for the SEC Championship. Now attention turns to Selection Sunday, when the new top 4 college football teams will be picked for College Football Playoffs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is breaking down Saturday’s game and looking ahead to Sunday.

College Football Playoff: Alabama in at No. 4, Georgia out at No. 6

Alabama takes down Georgia, again, in SEC Championship game

Alabama awaits College Football Playoff fate

Watch: Kirby Smart believes Georgia should make CFP despite SEC Championship loss

Mark Bradley: Can Georgia still win the national championship? Umm ...

Georgia lost: What the fans are saying now

Full coverage of Alabama vs. UGA in the SEC Championship Dec. 2

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About the Author

Julia Taylor

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