– Rose Bowl, 2nd quarter, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 –
Jeff Dantzler’s five keys for a Dawg’s victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship game between Georgia and Alabama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA on January 8th, 2018.
1. CAPITALIZE:
So many times games like this come down to a third-down drop that leads to a punt, a dropped pick that results in a touchdown five plays later, or a field goal attempt after not converting in the red zone. When Georgia has its opportunities against the Red Elephants of Alabama, it is a must to cash in. There is virtually no margin for error against Nick Saban’s machine.
2. HARASS HURTS:
Georgia has done a great job this season corralling outstanding quarterbacks. It goes against the DNA of pass-rushers not to think sack first, but that’s what the Dogs have done, and it is an absolute must against the extremely elusive, talented and speedy signal caller. Bottle him up, and if the chance or the sack is there, the Dogs must … Wait for it … Capitalize!
3. D-LINE DETERMINATION:
That defensive front is in for the challenge of all time against an Alabama offensive line that might be college football’s best since Bama’s awesome five of 2012. Auburn’s offensive front is comparable. The way the defense played against the Tigers on Georgia’s second meeting with Auburn and first trip to Mercedes Benz is a must if the Bulldogs are to bathe in the confetti.
4. EFFICIENT OFFENSIVE AGGRESSION:
Take a look at who has scored most of Georgia’s touchdowns this season, it has been the stars and standouts. Georgia will continue to look their way, and the staff will have to come up with a few wrinkles to further challenge what is arguably the best defense in college football. Getting behind the chains is a no-no. That’s when Bama smells blood. Georgia has the talent to score on the Tide, but it will take efficiency, patience, and of course, the Bulldogs best players playing their best.
5. KICKING GAME, TURNOVERS, PENALTIES:
This is the standard, it could go for every football game played since the turn of the century – the 19th to the 20th. Winning the kicking game, winning the turnover battle and avoiding those costly penalties will likely make the difference, especially in a game of this magnitude. Remember how a Rose Bowl false start turned a second and one into a second and six, and the Dogs missed a field goal? Can’t do that Monday night.
Recent Articles by Jeff Dantzler
[pt_view id=”b358db4n1f”]