(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With the college football season closing in on the finish line, there still remains one dramatic finale to view with steely-eyed intensity: The National Championship Game. Featuring two elite SEC programs, this contest will have everything from relentless physical defensive play to run-heavy offenses that will continually try to wear down the opposition. For the Crimson Tide, it’s all about adding to their national dominance as Nick Saban vyes for his sixth title to firmly cement himself as the best college football coach of all time. However, the fearless challengers in the Georgia Bulldogs will have other plans as they attempt to not only deny the Crimson Tide a National Title but to also bring home their first National Championship trophy since 1980. In the end, whether fans are treated to a defensive grudge match or a surprisingly exhilarating shootout, this should be a legendary contest that comes down to the waning moments of this final affair of the season.
National Championship Game
Alabama Crimson Tide (4) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (3)
Time: Monday, 8:00 PM E.T.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
TV Channel: ESPN
If Alabama’s defense is able to dominate this game like they did in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final against Clemson, it will be a frustrating and humiliating night for the Georgia Bulldogs. Holding the Tigers to just six points and 1.9 yards per rushing attempt, the Crimson Tide emphatically displayed their aggressiveness and intelligence on defense against both the passing and rushing game of Clemson. Although the Crimson Tide may not have a prototypical quarterback in Jalen Hurts, the athleticism and vision of the sophomore passer have allowed him to be consistently effective, especially when a play breaks down. However, the Bulldogs chief concern needs to be containing the two prolific Crimson Tide running backs in Damien Harris (7.6 yards per rushing attempt and 11 rushing touchdowns) and Bo Scarbrough (eight rushing touchdowns) if they hope to keep up on the scoreboard. Unlike Alabama, Georgia has a confident albeit young pocket passer in Jake Fromm, who is at his best when he is able to move the ball downfield and convert big plays consistently (9.20 yards per passing attempt). Recently, the well-composed freshman signal-caller has been sensational as he has thrown seven touchdowns and just one interception in his last four games. In conjunction with the Bulldogs deadly rushing attack featuring Nick Chubb (6.4 yards rushing attempt, 15 rushing touchdowns) and Sony Michel (eight yards per rushing attempt, 16 rushing touchdowns), Georgia actually has a dynamically dominant offense. Of course, on top of everything else, the Bulldogs have a ferocious defensive front that almost always finds a way to disrupt and sack any opposing quarterback that they come up against. While Alabama may have the better coach and a slightly better defense, the Bulldogs top-notch offense led by a red-hot passer will be a serious X-factor in this contest. If the Bulldogs defense can be consistently persistent in making sure Hurts cannot maneuver freely outside of the pocket, the feisty Bulldogs will finally get to bask in the glorious limelight of being National Champions for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Final Score: Crimson Tide 24 Bulldogs 27 Spread: Alabama -3.5
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