Bama Edges Dawgs

Did you stay up? A great game, especially if you’re an Alabama fan. At one point when things were going good for Georgia I actually calculated in my head how long before the game would end, and could it sit in the same position without getting up. It was before ten and I knew the game would last until midnight.

Announcer Kirk Herbstreidt’s love affair for Jake Fromm - I’m sure the Bama fans were tired of hearing about it, both before and during the game. Surely it’s what jinxed the Dawgs.

Seems like the UGA offense had a special game plan to penetrate Bama’s offense. Chubb kept trying to bounce outside, but Bama’s D is better than any they’d faced. Take away his one long run and Chubb had 17 carries for 18 yards. Some wondered where Sony Michel was in the fourth quarter. I’m sure there was a reason he wasn’t in there. My thing is that when you throw an incompletion on first down it makes it harder to call a running play on second and long. The Dawgs offense looked decent in the second and third quarters, but when the pressure was on in the fourth quarter UGA had too many 3 & outs.

On Bama’s first field goal attempt it looked like UGA drew Bama offsides, but the call went against Bama. The kicker made the practice kick, but missed the one that counted. Several kickers have had problems in the new stadium. Some say it’s because all the tiny plastic chips haven’t settled or been pushed deep.

I didn’t start taking notes until halfway through the third quarter – the obvious turning point. Everything went Bama’s way. Sure only Nick Saban is the only coach with the guts to replace his incumbent QB (25-2 as a starter) with a true freshman who’d never played. The greatest in-game adjustment in a big game ever. But besides that, the deck was stacked against Georgia. Said a coworker: “it was like watching a slow motion car wreck.”

1. Bama punt team moves – uncalled.

2. UGA punt return team called for offsides, when they weren’t.

3. Facemask on Bama not called, resulting in a UGA punt.

4. Three times Georgia running backs took poor routes and were thrown for losses.

5. Block in the back on a UGA punt return.

6. UGA has the freshman QB cornered, then he breaks away for a first down, then later throws for a touchdown.

7. Hardeman catches the high kickoff in the corner of the end zone, and runs it out. He is immediately cornered, and tackled inside the ten yard line.

8. Even the 80 yard Fromm to Hardeman bomb is almost called back on a ticky tack penalty not called all year – no sideline warning had been given.

9. Then a sideline warning was given after UGA’s interception.

10. But after the Bama interception no sideline warning - seemed like Fromm got a little cocky on that play.

11. After tackling Fromm the tackler hits him again. No call.

This was just like the Rose Bowl. How many penalties were called against Alabama? They were flagged by the irate special teamer, who then threw a fit on the sidelines, attacking his coach.

The injuries were even: Tyree McDonald defensive back. The big offensive lineman. UGA had a defensive lineman go down, and receiver Weems. Eighteen true freshmen played for Bama.

  

Dubious call to have Ramsey pooch punt – left-footed even. Almost blocked.

The stat: UGA led Bama 20-10 at the end of the third quarter of the 2012 SEC Championship Game. 20-10, then 20-13. Kirby used a time out. Another poor kickoff return, and the Wild Dawg doesn’t work – too slow developing. Bama has the mo with nine remaining. Another three and out. Bama is wanting it more.

Pass interference on third down. Bama is doing a better job pushing the pile. Fourth and four deep in the red zone. The touchdown ties it with 3:48 remaining. Had it been incomplete, interference could’ve been called.

Hardeman a decent return. Two incompletions. Another three and out. Punt. 2:55 to go. UGA needs a big play on D. Another personal foul on Georgia puts the ball on the 31 yard line. 1:02 left. First down. Then the missed field goal.

Overtime. Some will say poor play calling – two straight runs, then a sack. But Rodrigo nails a 51 yarder. ESPN has made him a national sensation.

Bama takes over. The sack makes it second and 26. You’d think Georgia was in a great position, but now the entire field was opened up for the freshman QB. Saban wins again. 12:09 pm.

I can hear it now – the naysayers wanting Kirby fired for not properly planning for the backup freshman quarterback who had never played meaningful minutes. Others: “this was our only chance. All the seniors are gone, and so is Roquon Smith.” How soon we forget the number one recruiting class (at least one new 5 star QB recruit is already practicing with the team - below). 

And forget enjoying a sensational season – back in August what UGA fan wouldn’t have been happy with an SEC Championship, Rose Bowl victory, and taking the national championship game into overtime?

Just like in the first preseason game back in August, there were delays getting spectators into the stadium. Forget the increased security - seventy thousand cell phones just can’t work all at the same time. Increased tensions and at least one racial slur, according to a reporter from LA. Why was he outside – was he looking for trouble? Once inside my eyes didn’t fool me – the roof was leaking. At least it wasn’t noted on the broadcast.

Wonder how much they had to pay those poor souls standing outside in the cold and rain to watch that halftime show in Centennial Park? I’m sure the 72,000 football fans who’d paid an $2,500.00 or more per ticket enjoyed the music.

Perhaps now both Jalen Hurts and Jacob Eason will transfer to Georgia Tech (Eason is bound for Washington).

Above: Anna's friend Josh Moran got his picture in the AJC.