Former Vanderbilt quarterback and SEC Network analyst Jordan Rodgers said if Georgia wins the national championship, it will be because the Bulldogs “don’t turn the ball over.”
Rodgers spoke on Thursday's episode of SEC Now. He broke down what it would take for both Georgia and Alabama to come away with a title.
“When you look at Alabama and when they are good – I mean (the Sugar Bowl) was a 10-6 game in the second half against Clemson before a four-minute span where Da’Ron Payne gets an interception, then scores a touchdown, then another interception on the next drive,” Rodgers pointed out. “So, this defense really when Alabama are at their best – what did we see last year, how many non-offensive touchdowns did they have? You can’t beat yourself against Alabama, you’ve got to protect the football.”
Georgia almost made a costly mistake when running back Sony Michel coughed up the football in the fourth quarter against Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. The Sooners returned the fumble for a touchdown to go up 45-38. Michel redeemed himself in double overtime when he scored the game-winning touchdown.
The Crimson Tide have forced 22 turnovers this season, down seven turnovers from last year’s national championship appearance. Plus, linebacker Mack Wilson’s pick-six against Clemson was just the second defensive score for Alabama this year. Last season, the Crimson Tide converted 11 turnovers into defensive touchdowns.
While the Alabama defense isn’t putting up gaudy scoring numbers this season, its the same dominant Crimson Tide unit many opponents have come to fear. They rank No. 1 in total defense (252.4 yards per game) and No. 1 in rushing defense (91.8 yards per game).
Despite its stinginess, Rodgers predicts running backs Nick Chubb and Michel will combine for over 150 yards.
“I think that would be a good game,” Rodgers said. “I think you’re going to see them trying to get the ball a little bit more on the perimeter with the swing passes, the run-pass option game.”
For the Crimson Tide to win their fifth national title under coach Nick Saban, Rodgers said quarterback Jalen Hurts will have to execute one of his best passing performances of the season.
“I think Jalen Hurts is going to have to throw for at least 200 yards,” Rodgers said. “If I am Kirby Smart, I am loading the box. Calvin Ridley has 59 receptions. There’s not another receiver that has more than 13. So, I am loading the box, I’m bracketing Ridley as much as I can. And you know what? At the end of the game, if confetti is falling and you’re on the losing side of it because Jalen Hurts threw for 300 yards, I’m okay with that because I think that’s what you have to do.”
Hurts has only thrown for 200 yards in two games and will face a Georgia defense that gives up just 167.6 pass yards per game -- good enough for eighth in the country.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
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