Would love to discuss this intriguing matchup throught the afternoon & game. Thoughts about pre-game bets, props, in-game are encouraged here. All I ask is please provide some insight to your play.
This is an interesting matchup for many reasons
1) Game is played in-state for the Georgia Bulldogs
2) Alabama feeling disrespected with people saying they shouldn't be in the playoff.
3) Former Alabama asst Kirby Smart now the HC of Georgia taking on his mentor.
4) Saban 11-0 all time against former assistants.
5) An Alabama squad looking to squash the memories of a title game collapse last year.
UGA has underachieved for so long...finally turning the corner. Will the stage be too big for this group led by a FR QB? Alabama on the otherhand is here all the time, just another day and another game for them aside from the 'feeling disrespect' aspect. Which may ultimately be the deciding factor when placing a bet tonight.
Georgia has 2 first string RB's who have carried them to where they are (#8 rushing attack.) Fromm has been good, but make no mistake the running game is where this offense lives or dies. Alabama shuts down the run better than anyone (#1 in the nation in 2017), but will having to stop 2 quality backs wear them down throughout the game? Alabama is very beatable through the air, but is Fromm ready? Fromm leads the #110 rated pass offense, but is that a mis-leading number given the QB change this season and the maturation of Fromm as a college level player? Both are top 5 in total defense, both top 5 in scoring defense. Both top 10 in rush offense, and both terrible passing the ball downfield (#98 & #110 respectively).
Looking at that... this ultimately comes down to running the ball & stopping the run. I think Hurts is awful, but he can make some plays with his feet and he rarely turns it over. Fromm is the X-factor tonight. IF he is able to keep the Alabama defense off balance, then look out. UGA will be tough to beat. HOWEVER, IF this is a smashmouth run the ball & stop the run game then how in the world can you go against Alabama?
We saw it last week & I thought it was fairly easy to see coming. Clemson doesn't have a QB. Wastson was the difference last year, and this year Alabama was able to shut the offense completely down because the QB couldn't throw downfield. Can Fromm open up the run game for Georgia, or will that Alabama front carry the Tide to another title? The UGA offensive line has given up only 1.3 sacks per game this year, very strong number.
My early afternoon thought on this game is that Alabama is able to rattle from early, and the Alabama offense is able to get a lead that UGA can't overcome. Chubb and Michel are unable to get loose & the physicality of Alabama is just a level UGA is unable to match tonight. Alabama 23 Georgia 13.