College Football Championship 2018: Predictions for Stars in Alabama vs. Georgia
One year ago in the CFB National Championship, Clemson wide receiver Hunter Renfrow burst into the spotlight and led the Tigers to the title.
On Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the playmakers on the rosters of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs will try to put their own mark on the brief history of the playoff-era National Championship.
The potential stars of the 2018 National Championship are mostly prized recruits who have thrived all season for their respective sides.
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Although an unlikely hero could arise on Monday night, there's a good chance one of these four players will be the biggest difference-maker.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The heart and soul of the Alabama defense is expected to be all over the field on Monday night.
Although he's listed as a safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick will find his way into the box when the Crimson Tide want to put extra pressure on the Georgia backfield.
Whether he makes a big hit that results in a tackle for loss or comes up with an interception, Fitzpatrick is almost guaranteed to make a game-changing play.
Fitzpatrick, who should be one of the most coveted NFL Draft prospects, injured his kidney in the Sugar Bowl win over Clemson, but he expressed during the week that he'll be fine for the National Championship, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach.
When you look at the final box score, Fitzpatrick might not have the standout stat line, but his movement on the field will open up space for his teammates to make a plethora of big plays.
Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
Both of Georgia's standout running backs are expected to make a difference on Monday.
In the Rose Bowl against Oklahoma, senior Sony Michel was the top gainer with 181 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries.
Michel may not put up the astronomical numbers like he did on New Year's Day, but he'll look to continue to be efficient when he does get his hands on the ball.
The senior has run for 1,129 yards with an average of eight yards per carry. The only contest in which he was held under four years per carry was the November 11 loss to Auburn.
If he is able to pick up three or four yards each time he receives a handoff from quarterback Jake Fromm, the Bulldogs will be able to make progress early in the game.
If that trend holds for all four quarters, Michel could be close to 100 yards and might end up on the stage celebrating with a trophy.
Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Although both teams feature star running backs, the key weapon on Monday night could be Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley.
The junior wide receiver, who is one of the best NFL prospects at his position, will look to get behind the Georgia front seven in the middle of the field and beat the Bulldogs defensive backs one-on-one.
Ridley has caught at least three balls in every game this season, with his season high of eight coming on October 21 against Tennessee.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts will try to hit Ridley early in order to establish a rhythm and throw the Georgia defense off balance.
If the passing game works for the Crimson Tide, they could mount an early advantage that would create momentum for their defense to get stops and seal the trophy before the fourth quarter.
Conversely, if Ridley is unable to break loose from the Georgia defensive backs, it could be a long night for Hurts since he doesn't have another consistent playmaker at receiver.
Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
Georgia senior linebacker Lorenzo Carter made the most important play of the Rose Bowl, when he blocked a field goal in double overtime.
Carter is also an incredible edge rusher that will be critical to the success of the Bulldogs defense on Monday night.
With Alabama looking to run the ball, Carter will have to seal the edge and force running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough inside so his teammates can wrap up.
Carter's positioning will also be vital when containing Hurts. If the Alabama quarterback feels pressure and tries to escape the pocket, Carter must keep his surges to a minimum.
Georgia's best chance to win the game banks on holding Alabama's running game to minimal gains. If Carter and his teammates are able to swarm to the ball and keep Hurts from beating them with his legs, the Bulldogs will walk away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the program's first national title since 1980.
Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.
Statistics obtained from ESPN.com and Sports Reference.
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