and the Bulldawg Illustrated staff gives their predictions on the big game.
The Georgia Bulldogs have fought their way into the final game of the season to face the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Bulldawg Illustrated staff gives their predictions for the College Football Playoff Final.
Vance Leavy – Georgia 34, Alabama 17
“It’s been an incredible ride Bulldog Nation and now Nick Saban and his dynasty are all that stands between bringing the Natty back to Athens. So what will it take? Turnovers. If Georgia is going to win, then the Savage Dawgs must don the Spike Pads twice tonight by way of errant Jalen Hurts decisions. And my man, Mecole Hardman needs to take one to the house for the Devil to go down in Georgia. This is our destiny.”
Jeff Dantzler – Georgia 18, Alabama 17
JD kept it short, sweet, and simple when he sent me in his score prediction which simply read “Dawgs 18-17.” What more needs to be said?
Murray Poole – Georgia 24, Alabama 21
“After their spectacular, double-overtime win “for the ages” in the Rose Bowl, the Bulldogs now go on the biggest stage of them all Monday night at Mercedes-Benz when they go after the CFP National Championship against the vaunted Crimson Tide. In contrast to the 54-48 shootout against Oklahoma, this one could be just the opposite scenario. That’s because both defenses are fully capable of stepping up and limiting the opposing team’s run and passing games. Certainly, good special teams play and avoiding the killer turnovers will be key to victory for both the Dawgs and Bama. With the long-starved Bulldawg Nation chomping at the bit for its first national crown since 1980, Georgia proves it is indeed a team of destiny this season by stemming the Tide, 24-21 in a thriller.”
ImYourHuckleberry – Georgia 20, Alabama 17
“The Alabama defensive juggernaut made a return appearance in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson and it was a scary sight to behold as a Georgia Bulldog fan. On the offensive side of the ball, The Tide a have their own set of monster’s at running back with Harris, Scarborough, Jacobs and Hurts and they are going to attack the Dawgs for 60 minutes. Despite the gains Georgia has made in two seasons under Kirby Smart, the Tide are still bigger, stronger, and more talented than UGA at many key positions.”
“However – Jake Fromm, Roquan Smith, and destiny is on the side of the Dawgs. In a game that is sure to include a number of 3rd and long situations, Fromm is much more capable passer than Jalen Hurts (I think honest Alabama fans would agree). Roquan Smith is the best defensive player in college football but instead, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick was given the Bednarik Award. Roquan will be on a mission Monday night. Also, destiny has been on the side of the Dawgs since the day Chubb, Michel, Carter, and Bellamy announced their return. The Dawgs shouldn’t win but somehow, someway they will find a way!”
Ella Dorsey – Alabama 33, Georgia 24
“Our strengths on offense play right into Alabama’s defense – they are allowing just 2.6 YPC. The field isn’t going to open up like it did against Oklahoma. Our Dawgs will be eager and will do a good job of stopping Alabama’s offense, but their experience and the slight edge in defense will edge us out throughout the game. All in all, We will be happy with the fantastic season we had, even without the National Title.”
Bob Miller – Georgia 31, Alabama 28
“It’s been 36 years since the Dawgs played for a National College Football Championship. I take you back to the 1982 season and the ’83 Sugar Bowl where No. 1 Georgia played No. 2 Penn State, and the good guys in red and black came up 4 points short. It’s also been 38 years since Georgia’s 1980 National Championship season. That 1980 championship came 38 years after the one in ’42. So is this fate, destiny?”
“I don’t believe in either. This 2017 UGA football team has created their own ‘destiny’ this season but Kirby and company do face their toughest task yet in the Alabama Crimson Tide. Still, for some reason, I am not worried about this game. I am excited. I feel like that 8-year old boy in Sanford Stadium watching Herschel Walker run rough shot over defenders between the hedges back in ’80.”
Michael Pope – Georgia 27, Alabama 21
“This game features two of the nation’s best defenses and rushing attacks in the country and this game will see both of these units excel against each other. Each team may find a way to get the ball in the endzone with their stout stable of running backs, but I see this game coming down to the play of each team’s quarterback and I believe Jake Fromm may have the edge. Fromm seems to be the better decision maker and more of a polished passer and in the end, his play will help lead the Bulldogs to the final victory that they have sought for the past 38 years. Kirby Smart becomes the first of Nick Saban’s assistants to defeat him and puts himself among the nation’s coaching elite.”
Savannah Richardson – Georgia 28, Alabama 24
“Georgia wins the grudge match in Atlanta. The Bulldogs defense rattles Jalen Hurts and company and forces turnovers to give Georgia the advantage. Jake Fromm shocks the world and becomes one of the few true freshmen quarterbacks to win the big one. Georgia shocks the world, Kirby Smart out does Nick Saban and Georgia brings home the College Football Playoff trophy. Championships are won in the trenches and well the Trench mob wants this one bad.”
Hamilton Culpepper – Georgia 23, Alabama 17
“There are many statistics and weird little fun facts that lead to us winning this game. For instance, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter was in office and attended the game just as current president, Donald Trump, will too. On the president topic, I’ve heard that President Trump himself called Kirby personally and asked to speak to the team before the game! Kirby said no!!! So he his definitely getting this teams mind right and eliminating any rat poison. Along with getting rid of the media in the locker room and any other special spectators, the Dawgs will have to get rid of the Crimson Tide defense. I think our offensive line will have just enough to handle this insane defensive front. Chubb and Michel will each rush for 80-90 yards scoring a touchdown each. Rodrigo will be the savior of the game by making three field goals to put the Dawgs on top 23-17.”
The Bulldawg Illustrated staff seems to have faith in the Bulldogs to bring the national title back to Athens but what do you think? Please put your score prediction for the national title in the comments section.
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