by Tommy Lynch – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
If you are looking for some good ole smash mouth football you have come to the right place. Both of these teams rely on running the ball and their defenses stopping the run. They are both top ten in the nation in rushing offense with both offenses averaging over 250 rushing yards per game. Don’t expect that to be the case here as both defenses are at the top of the charts when it comes to rushing defense. Georgia is allowing 112.6 rushing yards per game while Alabama is only allowing 94.1. This has the feeling of low scoring defensive game making.
UNDER 45 my first prediction of the game.
In order for Georgia to win this game they will need to be able to run the ball. Georgia has 3 of the best running backs in the nation with Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and the freshmen D’Andre Swift. The only game Georgia was unable to run the ball successfully was against Auburn the first time they played in which they lost 40-17. Bad news for Georgia, Alabama has a even better run defense than Auburn. Georgia will have to get creative if they want to run the ball against this Alabama defense. Look for Georgia to run the wildcat with Chubb and Michel and find ways to get the ball in the hands of the explosive D’Andre Swift.
Alabama will have trouble moving the ball as well because Georgia is up there for one of the best defenses in the nation. Although they didn’t look like it against Oklahoma, Alabama’s offense is not as explosive as Oklahoma’s. Alabama will have to grind it out with Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough on the ground. When it comes down to it both teams will need their QB’s to make big plays on 3rd downs and take care of the football.
This should be a entertaining one and should be close from start to finish. I do not think either team will be able to successfully run the ball, so it will come down to the QBs. This is where i believe Alabama and Jalen Hurts have the clear edge. Hurts has taken care of the ball all year only throwing 1 interception. Jake Fromm has had a great season, but a freshman quarterback against Nick Saban in the National Championship doesn’t sound like a recipe for success. I think Jalen Hurts ability to make plays with his feet and a big turnover late in the game will lead the Crimson Tide to a 27-13 victory. Prediction ALABAMA -4