The 2 finest groups in school soccer wanted a dramatic ending to determined the nationwide championship to cap the 2021 season. Ultimately, Georgia gained the championship with a go-ahead landing on offense and a choose six to seal the sport.
Georgia broke its 41-year nationwide championship drought by knocking off No. 1 Alabama, 33-18, within the title recreation at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The sport was a area aim competition within the first half, with Alabama taking a 9-6 lead into the half.
Georgia scored the sport's first landing within the third quarter when operating again Zamir White bolted in for a 1-yard run and a 13-9 lead.
Alabama regained the lead within the fourth after Cameron Latu hauled in a cross from Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Younger to take an 18-13 lead—the 2-point conversion missed.
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett led the Bulldogs on a drive to take a 19-18 lead, then Bennett led one other drive for a 26-18 lead.
Alabama had somewhat greater than 3 minutes remaining to mount a drive, however Younger tossed a cross downfield that Georgia's Kelee Ringo intercepted and returned 79 yards for a landing and 33-18 lead, one the Bulldogs would not relinquish.
Alabama was already competing with out its high receiver, John Metchie, who suffered a season-ending ACL late within the 12 months. In opposition to Georgia, Alabama misplaced its subsequent finest receiver, Jameson Williams, to an obvious leg damage. That took two high weapons from the Alabama offense whereas its offensive line needed to face top-of-the-line defensive traces in current historical past.
Georgia had not gained a nationwide championship for the reason that 1980 season when coach Vince Dooley and operating again Herschel Walker led the Bulldogs to their solely earlier title.
Bennett was named the sport's offensive MVP for his efficiency that included 17-of-26 passing for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Alabama scored 12 of its 18 factors from 4 area targets by Will Reichard.
Both Alabama and Georgia have been the No. 1 groups all season lengthy, and the 2 SEC foes met of their convention championship final month in Atlanta, which Alabama gained, 41-24.
That SEC title recreation catapulted Younger to the Heisman Trophy and the Crimson Tide to the No. 1 rating heading into the School Soccer Playoff (CFP) rating.
Alabama defeated No. 4 Cincinnati within the Cotton Bowl throughout the first semifinal whereas No. 3 Georgia beat No. 2 Michigan on the Orange Bowl recreation for the opposite semifinal. This arrange an Alabama-Georgia nationwide championship for the primary time for the reason that 2017 season, during which the Crimson Tide beat Georgia in time beyond regulation.
Monday night time additionally marked simply the second time a former assistant coach of Alabama coach Nick Saban defeated Saban. The opposite was earlier this season when Texas A&M's Jimbo Fisher beat then-No. 1 Alabama on a last-second area aim. Nevertheless, Georgia coach Kirby Sensible is the one former Saban assistant at Alabama who defeated their former boss. Fisher was an assistant for Saban at LSU in 2002-04.
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