Football History | at the University of Georgia

1892 marked the start of the University of Georgia's football history, 123 years ago. As of January 17, 2024, the Bulldogs have played 1,335 games and amassed an overall record of 881-429-54.

The first UGA football coach, Dr. Charles Herty, guided the Bulldogs to a 1-1 record in 1892. Georgia defeated Mercer 50-0 in Athens in their first meeting. Georgia's second and last game of 1892 was place at Piedmont Park in Atlanta against Auburn. With a 10-0 victory over Georgia, Auburn established "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry."

Wally Butts guided the Bulldogs to an 11-1 overall record and a 9-0 victory over the UCLA Bruins in the Rose Bowl in 1942. Georgia won this national championship for the first time after being ranked top in at least half of the credible surveys.

Georgia's most successful coach, Vince Dooley, guided the Bulldogs to six SEC titles and the 1980 National Championship. Between 1964 and 1988, Dooley led the Dawgs to a 201-77-10 overall record as their coach.

The University of Georgia's head coach post was taken up by Mark Richt in 2001, and he brought the Bulldogs back to national prominence. Mark Richt guided the Dawgs to the 2002 and 2005 SEC Championships, a 145-51 record (83-37 SEC), and nine bowl victories in his fifteen years as head coach.

On December 6, 2015, Kirby Smart, a UGA alum and defensive coordinator for Alabama, was named the next head football coach.
Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs defeated Auburn 28-7 in the SEC Championship Game during his second season in Athens, and they defeated Oklahoma 54-48 in double overtime in the College Football Semifinal in the Rose Bowl. Georgia made it to the College Football National Championship, but in overtime, they were defeated 26–23 by Alabama.

In 2021, Smart guided the Bulldogs to their first undefeated regular season since 1980 at 12-0. Georgia fell to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game but was named the third seed in the College Football Playoff.

The Bulldogs defeated the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl, 34-11. Georgia then defeated Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, 33-18, for their third national title.

Georgia finished the 2022 season undefeated at 13-0 with an SEC Championship victory over LSU. In the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Georgia defeated Ohio State 42-41. The Bulldogs went on to dominate TCU in the College Football Playoff National Championship, 65-7, to claim their first back-to-back titles and fourth national championship overall.

UGA Football History Records, Schedules & Signees

UGA Football Head Coaches – Won/loss records of all Georgia Football head coaches from 1892 to present.

UGA Football Records – Georgia Football All-Time Records, including Individual Records, Team Records, Annual Team Leaders, and Bowl Records.

UGA Football Schedules & Results – Schedules and scores for Georgia football games from 1980 to present.

UGA Football Signees – Georgia Football Signees from 1980 to present.

Consensus National Champions

2022 (15-0) – Kirby Smart coached the Bulldogs to a 13-0 season and an SEC Championship win over LSU. Georgia went on to defeat Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, 42-41, and TCU in the College Football Playoff National Championship, 65-7.

2021 (14-1) – Kirby Smart led the Bulldogs to a perfect 12-0 regular season, their first since 1980. Georgia went on to defeat Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Orange Bowl, 34-11, and Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship, 33-18.

1980 (12-0-0) – Vince Dooley coached the Bulldogs to a perfect 12-0 season, including a 17-10 victory over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl to win the National Championship. Georgia finished as the only team with no losses and no ties and was declared No. 1 by almost every poll.

1942 (11-1-0) – Berryman; DeVold; Houlgate System; Litkenhous; Poling System; Williamson System.

Unclaimed National Championships

Berryman, 1920 (8-0-1) Poling, Boand, and Berryman, 1927 (9-1-0) 11-0-0 1946 – Williamson 1968 – Litkenhous (8-1-2) Conference Title Matches SEC East Champions in 2023 SEC Champions in 2022 SEC East Champions in 2021 SEC East Champions for 2019 SEC East Champions for 2018 SEC Champions for 2017 2005: SEC Champions 2002: SEC Champions 1982: SEC Champions SEC, 1981 Runners-Up 1980: SEC Champions 1976: SEC Runners-Up 1968: SEC Champions 1966: SEC Runners-Up 1959: SEC Champions 1948: SEC Champions 1946: SEC Runners-Up 1942: SEC Champions SIAC Co-Champions, 1920 SIAC Co-Champions, 1896

Heisman Trophy Winners

Walker Herschel (1982) 

 Following his junior year at Georgia, Walker was awarded the Heisman Trophy. For 1,752 yards and 17 touchdowns, he ran 335 times.

Frank Sinkwich (1942):

 Following his senior year at Georgia, Sinkwich was awarded the Heisman Trophy. For 795 yards and 30 touchdowns, he ran 175 times. Additionally, Sinkwich completed 84 of 166 throws for 1392 yards and 10 touchdowns.

FAQ

Q.1    Is Georgia football well-known?

Ans.  Eight times (1920, 1927, 1942, 1946, 1968, 1980, 2021, 2022) NCAA-designated major selectors have chosen Georgia as the national champion. Four national titles are claimed by Georgia (1942, 1980, 2021, and 2022).

Q.2  How many games has Georgia won in football?

Ans.  1892 marked the start of the University of Georgia's football history, 123 years ago. As of January 17, 2024, the Bulldogs have played 1,335 games and amassed an overall record of 881-429-54.

Q,3  Does Georgia have a UEFA team?

Ans.  In 1992, the Georgian Football Federation joined both FIFA and UEFA, allowing Georgia to participate in competitive games.

Conclusion, 

the story of Georgia football is braided with fervor, resiliency, and a sense of community; it is more than just a set of games. Georgia football's history, from the beginning when the sport was introduced on campus to the present day of intense competition, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of players, coaches, and supporters. It's about the friendships made on the field, the memories engraved in the hearts of fans, and the eternal legacy of Bulldog pride—beyond wins and losses. Football at Georgia is more than just a sport; it's a monument to the strength of togetherness, tenacity, and unbreakable spirit. As we reflect on this rich history, let's enjoy both the victories and the lessons learned.