Alabama vs. Georgia: Overlooked Factors in College Football Championship 2018

The Alabama Crimson Tide had an answer for everyone who questioned their presence in the College Football Playoff with their one-sided win over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl.

There was little doubt that the Crimson Tide deserved to be ranked among the top four teams in the nation. They had been the No. 1 team in the nation before they lost their season finale to Auburn. Four teams were not suddenly better than Nick Saban's Crimson Tide, and the CFP committee rightfully came to that conclusion.

Alabama did its part against Clemson, as the Crimson Tide defense flexed its muscles in shutting down the Clemson attack. Alabama registered a 24-6 victory, holding the Tigers to two field goals and winning decisively.

Compare that win to Georgia's 54-48 double-overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl. The Bulldogs were down big in the first half, came back to take the lead in the second half, lost the lead again and came back again to send the game into overtime, before needing two possessions to win the game.

The Crimson Tide should have a full bucket to empty when they take the field at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but it is unlikely the Bulldogs will be in the same position.

There is just one week between the semifinals and the championship game in college football, unlike the two weeks between the conference championships and the Super Bowl in the NFL.

That's a factor that has been somewhat overlooked to this point and could have a dramatic impact on this game.

Georgia is a heavy-duty running team with Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and D'Andre Swift doing an outstanding job all season as the Bulldogs gained 3,743 rushing yards. The Alabama defense is certain to prepare for this running attack, and stopping it will be their top priority in the title game.

Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm has completed 165 of 259 passes for 2,383 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. The freshman has answered every question this season, and he will have an opportunity to burnish his reputation here.

The Crimson Tide won't overlook Fromm, but they are not likely to pay as much attention to him as they will to the Georgia running backs. 

Fromm has 94 rushing yards this season, so he does not appear to be much of a running threat, but he can slide in the pocket and avoid the pass rush. He also has three rushing touchdowns, so he can run a bit, with that aspect of his game being overlooked.

Wideouts Terry Godwin and Mecole Hardman are the Bulldogs' No. 2 and 3 receivers behind Javon Wims. The Crimson Tide are not likely to make either of these receivers a top priority after they combined for 57 receptions, 929 yards and nine touchdowns.

Alabama is the pre-eminent program in college football, so there is not a lot about Saban's team that has been overlooked. Jalen Hurts is the focal point as the quarterback, and he is a superb runner who also has a 17-1 TD-to-interception ratio.

Running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarborough are capable of pummeling any defense with their aggressiveness, skill and strength.

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press/Associated Press

Freshman wide receiver Henry Ruggs III is not likely to garner much attention from linebackers Roquan Smith and the Dawgs' defense. Ruggs caught nine passes during the season, and he has not been a huge factor.

However, he has five TD receptions and averages 22.2 yards per catch. Since 55 percent of his receptions went for touchdowns, he could be an overlooked player who comes through for the Crimson Tide.

Crimson Tide punter JK Scott could have a key impact in this game. He has put 25 of his 48 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line, and that's one of the key reasons the Alabama defense has been so effective. Bama makes its opponents drive 80 yards or more quite often, and that helps keep them from scoring touchdowns.

Georgia placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship has had an excellent season, connecting on 17 of 20 field-goal attempts. Since the Alabama defense has been so strong, Blankenship could play a big role if the Bulldogs can't put the ball in the end zone on a regular basis.