Paul Finebaum explains why Alabama fans are justified in feeling ownership over Georgia

Alabama fans feel confident any time there team takes on Georgia, no matter the circumstances. Is that justified? ESPN’s Paul Finebaum believes so.

After a huge win in 2024, and many in the past, Finebaum can see why Crimson Tide faithful believe they own the Bulldogs. Will that be the case in 2025? It remains to be seen, but the ESPN analyst isn’t changing his stance until Georgia changes it for him.

“There’s a mindset now in Alabama that they’ll win this game, and that’s great—but not so great if they lose,” Finebaum stated, via The Matt Barrie Show. “Alabama fans really do feel like they own Georgia. That might sound ridiculous outside the state of Alabama and Georgia, but there’s some justification.

“Since 2007, Alabama has only lost to Georgia once in a season, and that was a rematch in the national championship game just a couple weeks after their first meeting. And it’s not insignificant, but so many other times, especially in Athens, Alabama has gone over there and won.

“Georgia isn’t subservient to anyone, but this is the one program that gets in their head a little bit. For years it was Nick Saban in Kirby Smart’s head. Last year, it was Kalen DeBoer.”

Right or wrong, it’s tough to argue with the facts. Georgia is riding high heading into their game against Alabama, and they’ll have a fantastic shot at winning, but that hasn’t always mattered in the past.

On the other hand, Finebaum recognizes how important this game is for Alabama against Georgia. Following Week 4’s games, the ESPN analyst called the showdown an elimination game for the Crimson Tide, considering the schedule they have remaining. Beating a top tier team like Georgia is almost required for Alabama’s chances.

“They’ve already lost to Florida State. Now that may look like a really good loss, but the problem is the calculus, it will be their second loss of the season, and Alabama still has Vanderbilt,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter.

“Yes, you heard me, Vanderbilt, in a week or two. They have Tennessee, LSU, Oklahoma, Auburn. I mean, there’s just an endless stream of tough games. Alabama needs to win this game to stay alive.”

Whoever stands tall will be feeling tremendous about themselves. It should be a monster battle when Alabama and Georgia link up, per usual. Time will tell who gets the win, but they’ll be set up nicely for the next couple of weeks inside the SEC.