It’s almost a split-image scenario. Only a month and six days apart from each other, the Bulldogs from the University of Georgia are facing an SEC opponent from the state of Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a championship game. Just like last month, UGA should come out on top with the victory.
The University of Alabama breezed past Clemson 24-6 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the Crimson Tide are now looking for their fifth title in nine years. The difference between these two teams going into the game is that the Tide hasn’t looked as sharp all season as it has in past years, while UGA is looking better than the program has looked in years.
With the running attack of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, only basic quarterback play is required for the Bulldogs to win this season and the Bulldogs have two great options at the position. True freshman Jake Fromm has controlled the game with poise this season, throwing the ball 140 times less than last season’s true freshman starter, Jacob Eason. With more passes, Eason threw for 257 more yards and three more interceptions last season compared to Fromm this year. While Fromm is the man to finish the job this season, UGA still has a great chance at sealing the deal should Eason wind up behind center. Former Bulldog starting quarterback Brice Ramsey is also still on the roster this season as a senior.
Alabama generally plays a conservative offense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is more of a game manager who scrambles often as opposed to a slinger. The team relies on its defense and opponents turnovers to win games. In 13 games this season, Chubb has fumbled the ball three times and Michel has fumbled once.
Alabama arguably hasn’t seen an offense with the firepower that Georgia has all season long. Auburn has scored more than 40 points eight times this year, while UGA has done so six times. However, after putting up 40 against the Bulldogs at Auburn, the team only scored seven points just a couple of weeks afterward at the SEC Championship in Atlanta. The most points Auburn scored against a ranked opponent this season was 49 and UGA just scored 56 in the national semifinal.
Simply put, this Bulldog team led by a freshman quarterback can win any game with the fan advantage. Having the title game in a city that traditionally brings more UGA fans attend games, the Bulldogs have a huge advantage.
