Bama Hammer Contributor: Ronald Moody
Kirby Smart took on an inherent mess of a program that Mark Richt left behind, spinning it into gold. In only his third year, Georgia already has two SEC Championship game appearances, one SEC Championship, and a national title game appearance. With all his success, Smart appears destined on the same path as his former head coach, Nick Saban.
Not so fast, my friend.
LSU’s defeat of Georgia still resonates vividly to me. The Tigers destroyed the Bulldogs 36-16. The Bulldogs were lifeless, showed no fight and dragged hopelessly through the Louisiana mud. Fromm’s worst game of the season completing 16 of 34 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions did not help the Bulldogs.
Alabama will limit the running back duo of D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield, placing the game squarely on Fromm’s broad shoulders. Can he make plays against a great, opportunistic defense? Quinnen Williams, Raekwon Davis and Anfernee Jennings will make life difficult for the sophomore with their disruptive pass rushing.
The Georgia defense limits big plays. Their defensive line’s ability to get to the quarterback has been missing all season with only 20 sacks, good for 99th in the country. A “Heisman” moment will not come for Tua. However, he will steadily move the offense up and down the field unimpeded. Tagovailoa’s clear-cut efficiency against Georgia leads to a fifth College Football Playoff appearance and an SEC Championship.