FAVORITE TEAMS

It finally comes down to this as Indianapolis hosts their first National Championship for two SEC teams. Georgia’s season involved defensive domination, a strong run game, and game management by 2-year starting quarterback, Stetson Bennett. Alabama’s season was filled with a young and talented offense while their defense was surrounded by veterans and stars. Both teams cross paths for the fifth time in four seasons with their second National Championship meetup. Again, the pressure is on Georgia to finally come through against Bama after failing four times while Alabama hopes to continue their vaunted dynasty that Nick Saban has built for the past 14 seasons.

#3 GEORGIA

Despite the offseason injuries in the receiving core and tight end position and minor replacements on defense, Georgia was expected to be a playoff team and looked apart from the start. After stifling Clemson’s offense to no scores and only three points in the first game, Georgia dominated the regular season and allowed nine total touchdowns all season prior to the SEC championship. Their defense is the pinnacle of the program after allowing only 10 points or less per game (leads nation). They are led by 6’6″ 350 pound defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean. The offense is good thanks to the run game and rising star freshmen tight end Brock Bowers. Quarterback Stetson “The Mailman” Bennett delivered more success this season than the US Postal Service on the holidays. He improved his completion percentage to around 65% while throwing 27 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.

#1 ALABAMA

Alabama had another solid season, but it didn’t come without a few hiccups. They dominated the first four of five games before the Texas A&M loss. After A&M, they still dominated five of their last eight games but there was some…inconsistencies on one side of the ball or the other. The offense is led by Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young, running back Brian Robinson, a solid offensive line, and Ohio State transfer receiver Jameson Williams. When they are on, they are impossible to stop. The defense is led by two great linebackers, Will “The Terminator” Anderson Jr. and Christian Harris. While this defense still has an infamous reputation, they recently allowed more points when the Tua Tagovailoa era began. From 2018 to now, Alabama allowed at least 20 points or more five times in one season (seven this season). Prior to that when Nick Saban arrived in 2007, they allowed 20 points or more around three times in one season.

THE MATCHUP

Alabama and Georgia have met frequently since 2018. It will be the fifth time that Nick Saban and former Bama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart cross paths. In the first two meetings, Georgia had Alabama against the wall until the Tide’s late 3rd quarter sparks by backup quarterbacks. Since then, Alabama sent the Bulldogs to the dawg pound twice with back-to-back 41-24 victories as a reminder that the Tide still oversee the SEC. While Stetson Bennett has thrown over 250 yards twice against the Tide, he also struggled and cost the Bulldogs opportunities to win. Establishing the run and winning in the trenches on both sides are keys to winning against Alabama. As for Alabama, they are 0-2 in the semifinals/national championships since 2014 when the team allowed 20 points or more six times in one season prior to a playoff game. Georgia scored 20 plus points against the Tide in all four meetings since 2018. They can do it again, but can the offense come through in all four quarters of the game???

MY PICK: ALABAMA

ONE FINAL NOTE

I want to thank everyone that took the time to check out my posts, videos, podcasting, and more during college football season. Some were firsts while others I returned to try and make more out of when I had time. I hope to do more in the future and bring you good content with the best and basic knowledge that I can offer. I will conclude my Underrated Review posting in about two weeks or so, but I will continue posting NFL information until before the Super Bowl. Hope you all had a great holiday and hope you all have a great 2022. Boomer Sooner!!! Go Pack!!! Have a great week!