Road 2 the Championship: How did UGA earn its way to Indianapolis?

While the 2021 season was not quite the “perfect” season for the Georgia Bulldogs, it was pretty darn close.

It seems like just yesterday they were preparing to take the field in Charlotte’s Bank of America stadium to kick off the season against the Clemson Tigers.

It would be one of only two times the Bulldogs really struggled the entire season.

As the team prepares for the chance to win its first national title in over 40 years, here’s a look at how UGA made it to the College Football Playoff Championship in Indianapolis.

Channel 2 is the official TV station of the Georgia Bulldogs. LIVE Team 2 coverage all day on Channel 2 Action News plus watch Road 2 the Championship special LIVE at 7 p.m.

Game 1 vs. Clemson in Charlotte

The matchup was a game most of the college football universe was looking forward to. It did not live up to the hype. The Bulldogs left Charlotte 1-0 after a 10-3 win with the only non-field goal of the game coming on a Christopher Smith 75-yard pick six interception return for a score.

[Road 2 the Championship: Watch Georgia Bulldogs special Monday on Channel 2]

Game 2 vs. UAB

Georgia made up for not scoring on offense during game one by scoring seven of the eight touchdowns scored in their 56-7 win over the Blazers at home. This game was Stetson Bennett’s game to make a good impression. The mailman delivered five TD passes in the game.

Game 3 vs. South Carolina

This would be the last start J.T. Daniels would make at quarterback this season. The Bulldogs won easily, 40-7 with Daniels throwing three TD passes. It was also the first game the Georgia defense would surrender a touchdown after the Gamecocks scored in the fourth quarter.

[RELATED: Travon Walker’s parents say UGA lineman always strives to make them, his hometown proud]

Game 4 at Vanderbilt

The Brock Bowers breakout game. The freshman tight end from Napa made it clear he was going to be a force to be reckoned with after running for touchdown and catching two TD passes in 62-0 win. The Bulldogs defense held Vandy to under 100 yards of total offense in this game.

Game 5 vs. Arkansas

The Razorbacks came to Athens with a 5-0 record and were pushing their way towards a top 10 ranking. They left Athens with a 37-0 loss on their record because the Georgia defense completely shut them down. Arkansas’s offense never really threatened the Bulldogs as the moved to 5-0 on the season.

Game 6 at Auburn

Normally a tough place for anyone to play, UGA took care of business in this game, rolling to a 34-10 win. Ladd McConkey had his breakout performance in this game with 5 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown. Auburn’s touchdown late in the third quarter would be the second TD the Bulldogs defense gave up in their first six games.

[READ MORE: Stetson Bennett’s twin brothers are proud of player, person he has become]

Game 7 vs. Kentucky:

This was expected to be a big challenge for Georgia. The Bulldogs cruised to a 30-13 win. The big story in this game was that Kentucky controlled the ball for 37 of the game’s 60 minutes but could only put 13 points on the board.

Game 8 vs. Florida:

This game came at a time when Florida was reeling. The Georgia defense again dominated the game, leading to a 34-7 win. Highlights of the game included Zamir White running for over 100 yards and TD along with Nakobe Dean’s 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Game 9 vs. Missouri:

The Tigers came to Athens and jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead over the Bulldogs early in the first quarter. Georgia would score late in the first quarter and never looked back, winning 43-6.

[PHOTOS: Georgia prepares for CFP National Championship]

Game 10 at Tennessee:

At one point in the game, Georgia actually trailed by their largest margin this season after Tennessee scored a touchdown on the opening drive. But eventually the Dawgs took care of business and ganged up on the Vols to win 41-17. James Cook also ran 10 times for a season-high 104 yards and three touchdowns.

Game 11 vs. Charleston Southern

Standout defensive tackle Jordan Davis scored his first career touchdown and Georgia’s defense was again dominant in a 56-7 rout of Charleston Southern on Nov. 20. No one soaked up his final game between the hedges more than the senior Davis. Along with his touchdown, the Redcoat Marching Band made Davis an honorary member and presented him with his own uniform.

Game 12 at Georgia Tech

No. 1 Georgia defeated Georgia Tech, 45-0, at Bobby Dodd Stadium. It was the first time since 1982 that the Bulldogs have completed a perfect regular season.

SEC Championship vs. Alabama in Atlanta

No. 1 Georgia fell to No. 3 Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, 41-24, for its first loss of the season. It marked the seventh straight loss by the Bulldogs to the Tide. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young finished with three touchdowns, a SEC Championship record 461 total yards and wrapped up the Heisman Trophy.

Orange Bowl vs Michigan in College Football Playoff semifinals

After the SEC Championship loss, UGA returned to winning in the dominant fashion that fans became accustomed to seeing all season with a 34-11 win over the Michigan Wolverines. Georgia scored on their first five drives. It was the first time any team has done that in a College Football Playoff game.

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