History of Georgia Bulldogs football in Timeline

The Georgia Bulldogs football program, representing the University of Georgia, competes in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Their home games are played at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Known for a strong tradition, the Bulldogs have achieved national success, particularly in recent years, marked by national championships. Key rivalries include those with Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. The program is a significant part of the university's identity and enjoys broad fan support throughout the state.

November 28, 1901: First Mention of "Bulldogs"

On November 28, 1901, the first mention of "Bulldogs" in association with Georgia athletics occurred at the Georgia-Auburn football game in Atlanta. Georgia fans had a badge saying "Eat `em Georgia" with a picture of a bulldog.

1904: Game Against Florida Predecessor Institution

In 1904, Georgia played a game against one of the four predecessor institutions of the modern University of Florida, which Georgia includes in its series record.

November 3, 1920: Nickname "Bulldog" Proposed

On November 3, 1920, Morgan Blake of the Atlanta Journal wrote a story about school nicknames and proposed the nickname "Bulldog" to describe the athletic teams at the University of Georgia.

1920: "Bulldogs" Name Used in Article

After a 0–0 tie with Virginia on Nov. 6, 1920, Atlanta Constitution writer Cliff Wheatley used the name "Bulldogs" in his story five times, popularizing the name for the Georgia team.

1920: Conference Co-Champion in SIAA

In 1920, Georgia was a conference co-champion in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA).

1921: Left SIAA and Formed Southern Conference

In 1921, the Georgia Bulldogs, along with 12 other teams, left the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) and formed the Southern Conference.

1932: Left Southern Conference to Join SEC

In 1932, the Georgia Bulldogs left the Southern Conference to form and join the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

1933: Annual Georgia-Florida Game in Jacksonville Began

Since 1933, the Georgia-Florida rivalry has been played annually at the neutral site of Jacksonville, Florida.

1939: "Silver Britches" Introduced

In 1939, Wally Butts first introduced the "silver britches" as part of the Georgia Bulldogs' uniform.

1942: Claimed National Championship

In 1942, Georgia claimed a national championship.

1943: Games Against Georgia Tech

In 1943, Georgia played a game against Georgia Tech that is not included in Georgia's reckoning of the series record because Georgia's players were in World War II and Georgia Tech's players were not.

1944: Annual Games Against Alabama Began

From 1944, the Georgia Bulldogs played each season against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

1944: Games Against Georgia Tech

In 1944, Georgia played a game against Georgia Tech that is not included in Georgia's reckoning of the series record because Georgia's players were in World War II and Georgia Tech's players were not.

1961: Red Block "G" Logo Added to Helmet

In 1961, a red block "G" logo was added to Georgia's grey leather helmet.

1961: Green Bay Packers "G" Logo

Since the Georgia "G" was similar to the Green Bay Packers' "G" already in use since 1961, Dooley cleared its use with the Packers organization.

1962: Annual Series with Clemson Began

From 1962, Georgia and Clemson played annually.

1964: Oval "G" Incorporated onto Helmet

In 1964, Vince Dooley incorporated the oval "G" onto the helmet as part of uniform changes. Anne Donaldson designed the forward oriented stylized "G".

1965: Annual Games Against Alabama Ended

Until 1965, the Georgia Bulldogs played each season against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

1980: National Championship Selection

In 1980, Georgia was selected as national champions by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.

1980: Consensus Selectors for National Championship

In 1980, consensus selectors for the Georgia Bulldogs' national championship included Berryman, Billingsley, Rothman, Football News, Helms, NCF, Poling, Sagarin (ELO-Chess), and Sporting News.

1980: "Silver Britches" Re-Added and Uniform Concept Utilized

Prior to the 1980 season, the "silver britches" were re-added to Georgia's uniform with a red-white-black stripe down the side. Since the 1980 season, Georgia has utilized the same basic uniform concept.

1980: Return of Silver Britches

Prior to the 1980 season, the uniform was changed back to silver pants, and they have remained silver ever since.

1980: Standard Home Uniform Established

Since 1980, Georgia's standard home uniform has consisted of a red helmet with the trademarked oval G, red jerseys, and silver britches.

1987: Annual Series with Clemson Ended

Until 1987, Georgia and Clemson played annually.

1992: Rivalries Developed During SEC East Divisional Play

From 1992, Georgia developed rivalries with the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks during divisional play in the SEC East.

1992: SEC Divided into Divisions

From 1992, Georgia played in the East Division of the SEC.

1992: Annual Rivalry with Tennessee Began

In 1992, the annual rivalry with Tennessee began upon the creation of the SEC Eastern Division.

1992: South Carolina Joined the SEC

In 1992, the border-rivalry with South Carolina gained importance when South Carolina joined the SEC.

2000: Georgia Dominates Series with Georgia Tech

Since 2000, Georgia has dominated the series with Georgia Tech, winning 18 out of 21 matchups.

2004: Matte Gray Pants Used

Since 2004, matte gray pants have been used at times instead of "true" silver, mainly because the matte gray pants are of a lighter material.

2005: Trim Redesign

In 2005, trim redesign occurred when sleeve stripe patterns were dropped in favor of solid black jersey cuffs on the home jersey and solid red cuffs on the away jersey.

2006: Steve Spurrier Coached South Carolina

From 2006, the rivalry with South Carolina gained intensity when former Florida coach, Steve Spurrier, coached the Gamecocks.

2007: SEC Eastern Division Co-Champion

In 2007, Georgia was the Eastern Division co-champion in the SEC, but lost a tiebreaker for the right to appear in the championship game.

2010: Renewed Rivalry with Alabama

Since 2010, Georgia and Alabama have faced off in four SEC Championship Games and two College Football Playoff National Championships, bringing the once dormant rivalry back to prominence.

2014: Series Tied with Auburn

As recently as the 2014 matchup, the series between Georgia and Auburn was tied.

2015: Steve Spurrier Stopped Coaching South Carolina

Until 2015, Steve Spurrier coached the South Carolina Gamecocks.

2018: College Football Playoff National Championship Appearance

In 2018, the Georgia Bulldogs played in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

2019: All-America Team Selections

Through the 2019 season, the Bulldogs have had 84 players selected to the All-America team.

2021: National Championship Selection

In 2021, Georgia was selected as national champions by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.

2021: Consensus Selectors for National Championship

In 2021, consensus selectors for the Georgia Bulldogs' national championship included AP, FWAA/NFF, and USAT/AMWAY (Coaches).

2022: National Championship Claimed

In 2022, Georgia was selected as national champions by NCAA-designated major selectors, including the AP Poll and Coaches' Poll.

2022: College Football Playoff National Championship Appearance

In 2022, the Georgia Bulldogs played in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

June 14, 2023: 2024 Conference Schedule Announced

On June 14, 2023, the 2024 conference schedule was announced, while the conference still considers a new format for the future.

2023: College Football Playoff National Championship Appearance

In 2023, the Georgia Bulldogs played in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

2023: End of SEC Divisional Era

In 2023, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) divisional era ended.

2023: Rivalries Developed During SEC East Divisional Play

Through 2023, Georgia developed rivalries with the Tennessee Volunteers and South Carolina Gamecocks during divisional play in the SEC East.

2023: Alabama Leads Series with Georgia

Through the 2023 season, Alabama leads the series with Georgia 43–26–4.

2023: Georgia Leads Series with Auburn

Through the 2023 season, Georgia leads the series with Auburn 64–56–8.

2023: Consensus All-America Selections

Through the 2023 season, there have been 41 consensus selections of which 16 were unanimous for the All-America team.

August 4, 2024: Announced Schedules

As of August 4, 2024, the schedules were announced.

2024: Georgia Leads Series with Clemson

After the matchup in the 2024 season, Georgia leads the series with Clemson 44–18–4.

2024: SEC Eliminates Divisions

In 2024, the SEC will expand the conference to 16 teams and will eliminate its two divisions, causing a new scheduling format for the Bulldogs.

2024: Georgia Claims Lead in Series with Florida

Through the 2024 season, Georgia claims a lead of 57–44–2 in the series record with Florida.

2029: Next Matchup Scheduled with Clemson

The next matchup between Georgia and Clemson is scheduled for 2029.

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