The Best College Football Games of the Last Decade: SEC Edition (2015–2025)
Introduction: The SEC’s Decade of Drama
No conference in college football delivers drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments quite like the SEC. Over the last decade, the league has produced not only national champions but also some of the most iconic games in the sport’s history. From last-second heroics to defensive slugfests and high-octane shootouts, the SEC’s best games have shaped the national landscape and defined the careers of future NFL stars.
This article dives deep into the most memorable SEC games from 2015 to 2025, breaking down what made them special, the key players and coaches involved, and why these matchups still resonate with fans and analysts alike.
Key Factors: What Makes an SEC Game “Great”?
To identify the best SEC games of the last decade, we considered:
- High Stakes: Conference titles, playoff berths, and national championship implications.
- Elite Talent: Future NFL stars and legendary coaches on both sidelines.
- Dramatic Finishes: Overtime thrillers, last-second field goals, and game-winning drives.
- Statistical Feats: Record-breaking performances and jaw-dropping stats.
- Cultural Impact: Games that changed the narrative or sparked new rivalries.
The Top SEC Games of the Last Decade (2015–2025)
1. 2017 National Championship: Alabama vs. Georgia (January 8, 2018)
Why It’s Iconic:
A true instant classic, this all-SEC national title game featured a dramatic overtime finish. Alabama, trailing 13-0 at halftime, benched Jalen Hurts for true freshman Tua Tagovailoa, who led a comeback capped by a 41-yard walk-off touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime. The game showcased Nick Saban’s coaching genius and Kirby Smart’s rapid rise at Georgia.
Key Stats:
- Alabama 26, Georgia 23 (OT)
- Tua Tagovailoa: 14/24, 166 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
- Sony Michel (UGA): 98 rushing yards
Player Spotlight:
Tua Tagovailoa’s poise under pressure and DeVonta Smith’s game-winning catch became legendary moments in SEC lore.
Film Study:
Alabama’s second-half adjustments, especially on defense, stifled Georgia’s run game and set up the comeback.
2. 2019 LSU vs. Alabama: The “Game of the Century II” (November 9, 2019)
Why It’s Iconic:
This regular-season clash in Tuscaloosa was a de facto playoff game, featuring two undefeated teams and Heisman frontrunners Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. LSU snapped an eight-game losing streak to Alabama, with Burrow cementing his Heisman campaign.
Key Stats:
- LSU 46, Alabama 41
- Joe Burrow: 31/39, 393 yards, 3 TDs
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire: 4 total TDs
Player Spotlight:
Joe Burrow’s performance under pressure and Edwards-Helaire’s clutch runs in the fourth quarter.
Film Study:
LSU’s spread offense, orchestrated by Joe Brady, exploited Alabama’s secondary with quick reads and precision passing.
3. 2022 Tennessee vs. Alabama: The “Third Saturday in October” Revival (October 15, 2022)
Why It’s Iconic:
Tennessee ended a 15-year losing streak to Alabama in a wild 52-49 shootout. The game featured over 1,100 yards of offense and a last-second field goal by Chase McGrath, sparking a field-storming celebration in Knoxville.
Key Stats:
- Tennessee 52, Alabama 49
- Hendon Hooker: 385 passing yards, 5 TDs
- Jalin Hyatt: 6 catches, 207 yards, 5 TDs
Player Spotlight:
Jalin Hyatt’s five-touchdown performance set a school record and made him a household name.
Film Study:
Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense kept Alabama’s defense off balance, while Tennessee’s defense made just enough plays in the fourth quarter.
4. 2021 SEC Championship: Alabama vs. Georgia (December 4, 2021)
Why It’s Iconic:
Georgia entered as the nation’s top defense, but Bryce Young and Alabama’s offense exploded for 41 points, handing the Bulldogs their only loss of the season. The game set up a rematch in the national title game.
Key Stats:
- Alabama 41, Georgia 24
- Bryce Young: 421 passing yards, 3 TDs
- Jameson Williams: 184 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Player Spotlight:
Bryce Young’s Heisman-clinching performance and Jameson Williams’ big-play ability.
Film Study:
Alabama’s offensive line neutralized Georgia’s pass rush, giving Young time to dissect the secondary.
5. 2020 Florida vs. Alabama: SEC Championship Shootout (December 19, 2020)
Why It’s Iconic:
A high-scoring affair that featured two Heisman finalists—Mac Jones and Kyle Trask. Alabama held off a furious Florida rally to win 52-46 and secure a playoff berth.
Key Stats:
- Alabama 52, Florida 46
- Mac Jones: 418 passing yards, 5 TDs
- Kyle Trask: 408 passing yards, 3 TDs
Player Spotlight:
DeVonta Smith’s 184 receiving yards and Najee Harris’ 5 total touchdowns.
Film Study:
Steve Sarkisian’s play-calling for Alabama was masterful, using motion and mismatches to create big plays.
6. 2018 Texas A&M vs. LSU: The 7-Overtime Epic (November 24, 2018)
Why It’s Iconic:
The highest-scoring game in FBS history, this 74-72 Texas A&M win over LSU lasted nearly five hours and featured wild swings, controversial calls, and unforgettable moments.
Key Stats:
- Texas A&M 74, LSU 72 (7OT)
- Kellen Mond: 287 passing yards, 6 TDs
- Joe Burrow: 270 passing yards, 3 TDs, 100 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs
Player Spotlight:
Kellen Mond’s resilience and Joe Burrow’s dual-threat heroics.
Film Study:
Both teams’ red zone creativity and two-point conversion strategies were on full display.
7. 2023 Georgia vs. Ohio State: Peach Bowl Playoff Thriller (December 31, 2022)
Why It’s Iconic:
While not an all-SEC matchup, Georgia’s comeback from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in the College Football Playoff semifinal was one of the decade’s best games. Stetson Bennett led a game-winning drive, and Georgia’s defense held on as Ohio State missed a last-second field goal.
Key Stats:
- Georgia 42, Ohio State 41
- Stetson Bennett: 398 passing yards, 3 TDs
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (OSU): 106 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Player Spotlight:
Stetson Bennett’s clutch performance and Brock Bowers’ key catches.
Film Study:
Georgia’s defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter and Bennett’s poise under pressure.
8. 2024 Texas vs. Alabama: The SEC’s New Era Begins (September 7, 2024)
Why It’s Iconic:
Texas’ first SEC game was a statement win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa, signaling the Longhorns’ arrival as a conference power. Quinn Ewers outdueled Jalen Milroe in a back-and-forth battle.
Key Stats:
- Texas 34, Alabama 31
- Quinn Ewers: 349 passing yards, 3 TDs
- Xavier Worthy: 112 receiving yards, 1 TD
Player Spotlight:
Quinn Ewers’ leadership and Texas’ defensive stand in the fourth quarter.
Film Study:
Texas’ offensive line held up against Alabama’s pass rush, and the Longhorns’ secondary made key stops late.
9. 2025 Georgia vs. Texas: SEC Championship Preview (Projected)
Why It’s Iconic:
With both teams projected as playoff contenders, the 2025 Georgia-Texas clash is expected to be a defining game of the new SEC era (ESPN). Both teams feature elite quarterbacks (Gunner Stockton for Georgia, Arch Manning for Texas) and NFL-caliber defenses.
Key Stats (Projected):
- Both teams averaging over 35 points per game
- Top-10 defenses nationally
Player Spotlight:
Arch Manning’s SEC debut season and Gunner Stockton’s leadership for Georgia.
Film Study:
Both teams’ use of tempo and defensive disguises will be key storylines.
Team-by-Team Analysis: Who Delivered the Most Drama?
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Signature Games: 2017 National Championship, 2021 SEC Championship, 2024 Texas showdown
- Key Players: Tua Tagovailoa, Bryce Young, Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith
- Coaching Impact: Nick Saban’s adaptability and Kalen DeBoer’s new era
Georgia Bulldogs
- Signature Games: 2017 National Championship, 2021 SEC Championship, 2023 Peach Bowl
- Key Players: Stetson Bennett, Brock Bowers, Sony Michel, Gunner Stockton
- Coaching Impact: Kirby Smart’s defensive genius
LSU Tigers
- Signature Games: 2019 vs. Alabama, 2018 7-OT vs. Texas A&M
- Key Players: Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Harold Perkins Jr.
- Coaching Impact: Ed Orgeron’s 2019 run, Brian Kelly’s offensive evolution
Tennessee Volunteers
- Signature Games: 2022 vs. Alabama
- Key Players: Hendon Hooker, Jalin Hyatt, Nico Iamaleava
- Coaching Impact: Josh Heupel’s offensive revolution
Texas A&M Aggies
- Signature Games: 2018 7-OT vs. LSU
- Key Players: Kellen Mond, Myles Garrett, Nic Scourton (2025)
- Coaching Impact: Jimbo Fisher’s recruiting, Mike Elko’s defensive focus
Texas Longhorns (SEC Era)
- Signature Games: 2024 win at Alabama, 2025 vs. Georgia (projected)
- Key Players: Quinn Ewers, Arch Manning, Kelvin Banks Jr.
- Coaching Impact: Steve Sarkisian’s offensive innovation
Player Spotlights: SEC Stars Who Shined Brightest
- Joe Burrow (LSU): 2019 Heisman winner, led LSU to a perfect season and a national title.
- Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama): Legendary for his 2017 title game heroics.
- Bryce Young (Alabama): 2021 Heisman winner, master of the comeback.
- Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee): Five TDs vs. Alabama in 2022.
- Stetson Bennett (Georgia): Two-time national champion, clutch performer.
- Quinn Ewers (Texas): Led Texas to a statement win in their SEC debut.
Conclusion: The SEC’s Decade of Unmatched Drama
From overtime epics to national championship thrillers, the SEC has delivered the best college football games of the last decade. These matchups have featured future NFL stars, legendary coaches, and moments that will live forever in college football history. As the conference expands and new rivalries emerge, the next decade promises even more unforgettable games and iconic moments.