College Football Playoff: National Championship
(3) Georgia Bulldogs at (1) Alabama Crimson Tide
Georgia: Before the semifinal game, they were embarrassed, and they knew it. Here’s a fact. In the entire month of October, their defense allowed a total of 30 points altogether. That’s 13 points against the Kentucky Wildcats, 10 against the Auburn Tigers, and 7 against the Florida Gators. In the SEC Championship, they allowed 41 points which was the most given up all season long. On New Year’s Eve, they were able to get back on the football field and release their frustrations. Let’s be realistic for a second here. The minute I saw Michigan give up those two touchdowns, I knew it would be a VERY long night for them. The Georgia Bulldogs got back to playing the stingy defense they’ve had all year long and the offense was balanced, yet aggressive. I want to elaborate on the offensive game plan for a second if I can. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken called a great game and he made sure Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo didn’t affect their game plan. If you watched the game closely, notice how Stetson Bennett often had two-man backfields and those running backs would pick up both David and Aidan. They were there to chip them and extend the time for the quarterback. Against Michigan, the Bulldogs set the tone in the trenches early on. They dominated up front on both sides of the football and were swarming to the ball as a defense along with bullying the line of scrimmage from the offensive perspective. Tonight, they will get one more chance at the team that’s been a thorn in their sides for years.
Alabama: At this point, we can expect a few things to happen. One of them is paying taxes, I think that goes without being said. The other is penciling Nick Saban’s football team not only to win their division yearly but to win the SEC Championship, be one of the four playoff teams on the playoff bracket, and go on to win the whole thing. Remember what I said after their loss to the Texas A&M Aggies in October? Every game from that point on out was a must-win. Usually, they coast along in the regular season without losing a game. That’s how dominant they have been over the years. Even after escaping with narrow victories over the LSU Tigers and Auburn Tigers, the doubts of them repeating as champions continued became more prominent. Here’s the thing about this Crimson Tide group. They know how to turn it on when it’s necessary and the SEC title game is a perfect example. They were facing the then number one ranked team on December 4th with the best defense in the country and they cut through them with ease. Against Cincinnati in the semifinals, Alabama dominated. Now, the passing attack is much different without John Metchie III. He does a lot for this offense. As I was watching the game and breaking it down, I noticed Cincy never loaded the box which opened up several lanes for Brian Robinson and he ends up having the game of his life rushing for 204 yards. The Bama defense also showed up. While the Bearcats held the football for 26 minutes, they did nothing in that span. The defense clamped down and stopped them when necessary. Tonight, they will look to add another title to the trophy case.
Georgia X-Factor: Brock Bowers– Who said freshman can’t come in and have an impact? He’s been one of the major shining points on this offense. It appears whenever the offense travels through Brock, they’re a tough unit to contain. I’m reminded of Jeremy Shockey when I watch him play, just a bit more explosive. In space, he’s a nightmare. I’ve seen Monken get him the ball on tight end screens and boom (RIP John Madden), he’s up the field. They even use Brock on sweeps. He’s a versatile weapon.
Alabama X-Factor: Brian Robinson Jr.– As I said up top, the passing game took a hit without John Metchie III on the field. Someone needed to step up and it was Brian Robinson Jr., who answered the call when his number rang. There isn’t anything that’s necessarily electric about him. He’s a front-foot running back that’s always looking to push the ball up the field with his hard running. Brian’s vision, footwork, and power are so impressive. The Tide will need him again tonight to show up and show out.
Final Thoughts: I don’t think anybody is surprised that it’s come down to these two. It was Alabama, Georgia, then the rest of the field in college football. They were truly the “big boys” of the sport (hence the title). On December 4th, these two met up for the SEC title game and Alabama dominated this game from the first quarter until the last. This was also the game when Bryce had his Heisman moment defeating the number one team in the country at the time. As I said before the SEC title game, the Georgia offensive front against this Alabama pass rush might determine this football game. It’s key once again for Alabama to pressure and put Stetson under constant duress. Georgia must do everything to contain Will Anderson. They did a good job against Ojabo and Hutchinson. I’m concerned about the Alabama offensive line against the best front seven in the country against Georgia. I don’t see this game being a blowout like we saw the first time.
Prediction: Alabama 31, Georgia 26
