5 Bulldogs to watch in the CFP national championship
When Alabama and Georgia face off on Jan. 10 in the CFP national championship, there will be as much NFL talent collectively on the field as a college football game could possibly have.
Both the Tide and Bulldogs are littered with future next-level stars and the SEC title game rematch is destined to be one to remember.
Alabama dominated Georiga a month ago in Atlanta 41-24. Bryce Young picked apart the Bulldog secondary and the Tide defense made the plays when they needed to, including a Jordan Battle pick-six to seal the victory.
The Bulldogs are fired up for the rematch and Alabama is focused on winning back-to-back titles for the first time in playoff history.
Before the two titans of college football clash, let’s take a look at five of the Georgia Bulldogs that Alabama fans should look for in the contest.
Nolan Smith
Dejected Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith leaves the field after the Bulldogs’ SEC Championship loss against Alabama on Dec. 4. Georgia faces Michigan in the national semifinals on Friday night.
News Joshua L Jones
Nolan Smith is probably the best pure pass rusher that the Bulldogs will trot out on the defensive side of the ball. Smith had a solid performance in the semifinals, collecting eight tackles and one sack.
Adonia Mitchell
Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia uses a more receiver by committee type of approach and one player that showed up in the semifinals was freshman Adonai Mitchell. At 6’4″, Mitchell can cause matchup issues. Alabama is also running this at cornerback with injuries to Josh Jobe and Jayln Armour-Davis.
Nakobe Dean
Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) almost intercepts a late fourth quarter Florida pass near the end zone. The Florida Gators fell to the Georgia Bulldogs 34 to 7.in Jacksonville, Florida Saturday, October 30, 2021. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Syndication Gainesville Sun
Nakobe Dean is arguably the best inside linebacker in the country. Dean’s ability to make plays all over the field makes him a scary matchup for any opponent.
Brock Bowers
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 04: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs can’t hold on to this touchdown reception against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter of the SEC Championship game against the at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Brock Bowers gave Alabama all they wanted and more in the last meeting. Bowers hauled in 10 catches for 139 yards and one touchdown in the SEC title game matchup. Containing Bowers will be a major point of emphasis for the Tide.
Stetson Bennett
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 04: Stetson Bennett #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs is sacked by Phidarian Mathis #48 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter of the SEC Championship game against the at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Like it or not, championship games come down to quarterback play more times than not. Bennett’s two interceptions against the Tide in the last matchup proved detrimental. Bennett’s play will once again prove critical to the outcome of the contest.
Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Crimson Tide!
1
1
1
1
1
1
