Takeaways from Georgia's 24-21 home loss to Alabama

The Georgia Bulldogs (3-1) faced a significant challenge against the Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1). The Bulldogs snatched victory away from the Tennessee Volunteers in their first SEC game, but this matchup felt different. Georgia had a 33 home-game winning-streak on the line, and Kirby Smart had to overcome his Alabama demons, as he was 1-6 coming into this matchup.

He couldn't do it. The Bulldogs still couldn't overcome Alabama, despite being at home, and they lost 24-21. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson played exceptionally well for the first half, throwing for 192 yards and two touchdowns, but during the second half, Alabama didn't score any points.

However, Georgia couldn't take advantage of it. The Bulldogs went 2-8 on third down, and some key plays didn't go Georgia's way, such as a potential walk-in touchdown dropped, a Nate Frazier fumble inside the Georgia 10, and a questionable fourth down play-call in field goal range down by three.

Four takeaways from Georgia's 24-21 loss to Alabama

The offense couldn't convert the money down

This game came down to a few plays that could've tipped the game to Georgia, and it's surprising considering the disparity between both teams on third down.

Alabama was excellent, going 13 for 19 on third down, while Georgia converted just two of their eight third downs on the day. Some of the missed conversions were due to Gunner Stockton missing in the middle of the field, but Mike Bobo called some confusing plays on third down, such as a screen pass to Cash Jones that went backwards four yards.

Third down is the "money down" for a reason. Georgia couldn't convert on third down and it weakened their offense.

The defense might not have the dynasty-era toughness anymore

The most concerning part of Georgia's game against Alabama was the defense. Many people expressed concerns for Georgia's defense after losing several players, such as Malaki Starks and Damon Wilson II, through the NFL draft and transfer portal. So far, those people have been correct.

Georgia's pass-rush was nonexistent, only getting one sack due to Simpson moving out of the picket. The Bulldogs didn't get many pressures from the line of scrimmage, with Elijah Griffin being the only front four member to generate a pressure. It allowed Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to stay on his spot and fire darts.

The secondary floundered against Alabama too. The Crimson Tide wide receiver room is tough to guard, but the secondary made it too easy sometimes. Daylen Everette had a tough game, allowing 49 yards and a touchdown when guarding Alabama wide receivers. When he's not doing well, the rest of the secondary can struggle, and it showed against Alabama.

A few key plays doomed Georgia

In the first half, it looked like Alabama was going to win by 50 with how flawlessly they executed, but in the second half, Georgia built enough momentum to come back. Unfortunately, they didn't know how to control it, with mistakes and gaffes causing the game to slip away.

Everyone will point to the final time the Bulldogs reached the Alabama red zone as an example. On the only attempt the Bulldogs had, which was a fourth-and-1 at the Alabama 8, Bobo called a stretch run to Cash Jones that went backwards three yards. 

That fourth down came with 13:25 in the fourth quarter with Georgia down 24-21. If Kirby Smart converted it, the Bulldogs probably score and lead 28-24. If he decided to put the field goal team on, Georgia would've tied it 24-24. It's understandable to go for it and not play conservative against Alabama, but the play call seemed doomed from the start.

There was also an egregious drop from freshman wide receiver Talyn Taylor on a deep ball. If Taylor secured it, Georgia would've lead 28-24 with 3:09 in the third quarter. The Nate Frazier fumble in the middle of the second quarter was tough too.

It doesn't matter the expectations coming into the matchup. It's still Alabama and the Crimson Tide will take advantage of errors and sloppy play.

The SEC is wide open

There's plenty to be said about Alabama's one-sided rivalry with Georgia and Georgia's 33 home-game winning-streak ending because of it. However, this game proved once more that the SEC is wide open.

No. 4 Ole Miss currently leads the SEC with three conference wins, defeating No. 13 LSU over the weekend. Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and Alabama are the only other teams with an undefeated record in the SEC (that have played an SEC game). The beginning of SEC play can be very wonky, but one loss doesn't eliminate Georgia from winning the SEC. Georgia still bounced back from losing to Alabama last season to win the SEC.

Now, Georgia plays against Kentucky (2-2) and the Bulldogs need a get-right game to rise atop the SEC again.

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Four takeaways from Georgia's 24-21 loss to Alabama football