Alabama vs. Georgia: 3 position battles that’ll decide National Championship Game
By John Buhler
The winner of these key position battles will go a long way in deciding who will win the National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs.
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs are the two best teams in college football, but a handful of key position battles will decide who ends up winning the College Football Playoff.
Alabama has had the upper hand in this SEC rivalry for 14 years. Georgia has played the Crimson Tide close, but have lost a series-worst seven in a row to the SEC West juggernaut. However, it is so incredibly difficult to beat a team twice in one season. That is exactly what it will take for the Crimson Tide to repeat as College Football Playoff National Champions. Georgia wants revenge.
While there are other position battles of note, this game will be won and lost between these three.
Alabama vs. Georgia: 3 position battles to decide College Football Playoff
3. Alabama MLB Henry To’o To’o vs. Georgia RB James Cook
Though Georgia has several offensive playmakers of note including freshman extraordinaire tight end Brock Bowers and junior wide receiver George Pickens, an underrated mismatch the Dawgs might have is with the elusive James Cook at running back. Tasked to keep him in check will be Crimson Tide middle linebacker Henry To’o To’o. He has to play the game of his life on Monday.
While Georgia has other running backs such as Zamir White, Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh, Cook is the brother of Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook. Though not as punishing of a runner as his older brother, Cook has many of the traits that have made Alvin Kamara a star in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. If Georgia can get Cook the ball in space, then To’o To’o may have issues.
Dawg Nation needs to hope offensive coordinator Todd Monken did not reveal too much with Cook in Georgia’s dismantling of Michigan in the Orange Bowl in the running back’s Miami homecoming.