Georgia vs. Alabama: 3 key position battles in the National Championship Game

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JACKSONVILLE, FL – OCTOBER 28: Lorenzo Carter #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs in action during a game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 28, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Georgia defeated Florida 42-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Alabama’s Matt Womack and J.C. Hassenauer vs. Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter

During the Sugar Bowl win over Clemson, Alabama lost right guard Lester Cotton to an injury. That leaves J.C. Hassenauer as the replacement, which could present problems against Georgia’s front seven.

Hassenaur, according to SECCountry.com, stepped in at right guard for Cotton on the first team. The senior lineman won’t be an inexperienced replacement, as he stepped in for an injured starter earlier this season. However, can he hold up against a linebacker like Lorenzo Carter?

Watch for Carter blitzing off the edge, potentially to exploit this matchup, while Roquan Smith charges from the other side. It’s Carter and his 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks that will be after Hassenaur.

However, Nick Saban can always move right tackle Matt Womack inside, if he’s not comfortable with Hassenauer and wants to give a four-or-five-star freshman an opportunity. That’s a gamble, too, and may allow the Bulldogs’ linebackers to force the issue.

Given the previously-noted difficulties the Alabama running backs might go through, it could depend on the right side of the offensive line’s performance. If they hold up, there may be a breakthrough or two in the National Championship Game.

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