BAMA BEAT: SEC Championship recap + Playoff rankings reaction (Ep. 278)

Cecil Hurt and Clint Lamb, through TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News, produce a podcast called “The ‘Bama Beat”, which features all the latest news and analysis surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide. In this episode, Lamb and Brett Hudson sit …

Cecil Hurt and Clint Lamb, through TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News, produce a podcast called “The ‘Bama Beat”, which features all the latest news and analysis surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In this episode, Lamb and Brett Hudson sit down to discuss the SEC Championship Game, which featured LSU and Georgia. The two also break down their opinions on where Alabama checked in with the College Football Playoff rankings and how it compares to the Bulldogs.

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A comedy of errors: Georgia football botched ample opportunities

Georgia’s inability to take advantage of the situations makes it clear that the Dawgs were never a true playoff contender.

The plays were there. The execution wasn’t.

Missing their two leading receivers, Georgia’s offense went deep several times on their opening drive.

Tyler Simmons, Demetris Robertson and Matt Landers failed to haul in well-thrown balls from Jake Fromm on the Bulldogs’ opening drive.

After being forced to punt, the Dawgs’ defense batted down a pass that Joe Burrow caught himself. LSU proceeded to march downfield and secure a lead it would never relinquish.

By the time George Pickens resumed play following his one half suspension, Jake Fromm had tweaked his ankle and the Silver Britches had lost third-leading receiver Dominick Blaylock. Later, linebacker Walter Grant left the game with a concussion following a targeting penalty that resulted in the ejection of Louisiana State defender Tory Carter.

Typically automatic senior placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship missed two of his three field goal attempts, but will enter his final bowl game wearing red and black maintaining the highest field goal percentage in Georgia history.

While we lament that the opportunities were there, Georgia’s inability to take advantage of the situations makes it clear that the Dawgs were never a true playoff contender.

Twitter reacts: UGA’s offense falls flat in SEC Championship loss

The Georgia Bulldogs fell to the LSU Tigers in a 37-10 blowout defeat in the 2019 SEC Championship. Joe Burrow led the Tigers to victory.

The Georgia Bulldogs fell to the LSU Tigers in a 37-10 blowout defeat in the 2019 SEC Championship. Georgia had several chances to make big-plays to stay in the game, but couldn’t secure a big-catch or get a big stop on defense. Trailing 17-3 at the half, Georgia never made the came any closer.

Now, Georgia will await a bowl game selection tomorrow. Bulldog fans weren’t happy about the defeat. They reacted to the game via Twitter:

Georgia must play better in their bowl game this season. Last season’s loss against Texas wasn’t acceptable. UGA and Florida will likely land in the SEC’s best non-playoff bowl game:

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Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm suffers ankle injury in SEC title game

Three-year starting quarterback Jake Fromm suffered an ankle injury following an awkward landing on a sack.

In the second quarter in today’s SEC Championship game, three-year starting quarterback Jake Fromm suffered an ankle injury following an awkward landing on a sack.

Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett has stepped in but Fromm’s injury appears to be minor and will not keep him out of the game.

Fromm since returned but looks rattled entering the second half.

Bad luck for the Dawgs: Joe Burrow passes to Joe Burrow

Following several dropped passes on offense, Georgia’s luck got worse.

Following several dropped passes on offense, Georgia’s luck got worse.

This prolonged a drive that ultimately led to a questionable catch ruled as a touchdown.

 

Georgia football alumni are hyped up for SEC Championship

Former Georgia lettermen take to social media to hype up the SEC Championship game.

Some of our favorite Dawgs have experienced the joy of victory and the agony of defeat against LSU in the SEC Championship Game.

Georgia and Louisiana State have met three times in competing for the conference title. The Tigers have bested the Bulldogs 2-1 in such scenarios, claiming the conference championship in 2003 and 2011. Georgia won the 2005 matchup behind D.J. Shockley’s electrifying performance.

Here’s what the lettermen had to say:

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ITS THAT TIME!! #GODAWGS #BEATLSU

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They seem confident that the Dawgs can even the series.

BIG 12 Championship Game: What it means for Georgia

What the Oklahoma vs Baylor BIG 12 Championship Game means to Georgia football ahead of its UGA vs LSU game.

Currently, Oklahoma and Baylor are in a fight for the BIG 12 championship.

The Sooners and Bears, No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, are both playing for a shot at making the College Football Playoff.

In order for either of them to get in, they’ll need Georgia to lose to LSU today.

But if Baylor wins, the Bears may need more than just a Georgia loss. They may need Georgia to lose by at least one touchdown.

If Georgia loses to LSU today by, let’s say three points, then the Dawgs could have a very real argument for remaining at the No. 4 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings and sneaking in.

Now if Oklahoma wins today, Georgia needs to flat-out win. A close loss would not cut it.

However, it’s a different story when it comes to Baylor.

It’s unlikely, but does the committee want Baylor in? I personally don’t think they do.

Georgia has three top-15 wins to date, and if Baylor wins today it’ll have one top-25 win.

I don’t think anybody truly believe Baylor could hang with LSU, Clemson or Ohio State. And if Georgia manages to lose to LSU in a fight to the finish, there would be no doubt that Georgia would be the better option for the playoff.

But maybe I’m a little biased.

Score, stat predictions for Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Game

Here are some score and stat predictions for Georgia football’s LSU vs UGA SEC Championship Game.

Here are some predictions for the Georgia vs LSU SEC Championship Game. 

Score:

What my head is telling me: LSU 27, Georgia 20

What my heart is telling me: Georgia 30, LSU 28

Stats predictions:

LSU players:

QB Joe Burrow: 25/37, 321 yards, four touchdowns, 1 interception

RB Clyde Edwards-Hellaire: 17 carries, 31 yards

WR Ja’Marr Chase: 7 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD

WR Justin Jefferson: 9 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

Georgia players:

QB Jake Fromm: 16/29, 210 yards, 1 TD

RB D’Andre Swift: 22 carries, 158 yards, 1 TD

WR Dominick Blaylock: 4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD

LB Monty Rice: 11 tackles

LB Azeez Ojulari: 1.5 sacks

K Rodrigo Blankenship: 2/2 FGs, 2/2 PATs

College GameDay crew picks winner of Georgia vs LSU

The College GameDay crew picked the winner of the Georgia football SEC Championship Game. UGA vs LSU.

To close out College GameDay from Atlanta, the shows’ crew, accompanied by country music star Zach Brown, picked their winners of the day’s biggest games.

And none is bigger than what is taking place in the SEC, where Georgia and LSU will fight to bring home the conference championship.

The guys picked their winners for the SEC Championship Game.

Desmond Howard: LSU in a close one – saying Georgia’s offense is too banged up

Zach Brown: Georgia – Go Dawgs.

Kirk Herbstreit: LSU – saying it’ll be close for three quarters or so

Lee Corso: LSU – noting the Tiger is more handsome than Uga

Georgia injury report ahead of UGA vs LSU

Georgia football’s injury report for the UGA vs LSU SEC Championship Game

The No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs limp into Atlanta this afternoon to take on the No  2 LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship game. With a few key UGA players battling injuries and others declared out for the game, the Dawgs have been relying on the medical staff this week to get everyone ready for the game.

Following is the status of several Georgia players for today’s contest with LSU.

D’ANDRE SWIFT, RB (PROBABLE)

D’Andre Swift has been battling shoulder problems for most of the season and it caught up to him during the Georgia Tech game. Dawg Nation held its collective breath as the Philadelphia junior left the game and didn’t return. Swift is Georgia’s most dangerous offensive weapon and Coach Smart believes he’ll be good to go against the Tigers.

ERIC STOKES, CORNERBACK (PROBABLE)

Stokes has been Georgia’s most consistent cornerback this season and he’ll be a key component in slowing down the LSU pass offense  After leaving the Texas A&M game with an injury, he returned for the Tech game and helped the Dawgs dominate the Jackets. The sophomore DB, who leads UGA with 8 passes broken up, is tough as nails as will be ready for Saturday.

DEVONTE WYATT, DL (QUESTIONABLE)

The junior defensive lineman has played in 11 games this season but was held out of action last week against Georgia Tech. Wyatt is second to Azeez Ojulari in quarterback hurries (14) and he’ll be counted on to disrupt the rhythm of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and the Tiger passing game.

TOMMY BUSH, WR (PROBABLE)

The freshman speedster provides a huge target for Jake Fromm and his speed causes matchup problems.  He missed a lot of playing time with a sports hernia injury but suited up for the Texas A&M game and caught his first collegiate pass against Georgia Tech.

BEN CLEVELAND, OL (PROBABLE)

Cleveland has started the past two games but the redshirt junior is battling an ankle injury that will require post-season surgery. The 6-foot-6, 340-pound guard has played well this season and his presence will be needed against a formidable LSU front seven.

CADE MAYS, OL (PROBABLE)

The 6 foot 6, 318-pound sophomore offensive lineman, slowed by ankle and shoulder injuries this season, missed the Texas A&M game but played against Georgia Tech. Mays has started at three different positions this season and has played all five offensive positions during the year. Expect him to rotate at right guard with Ben Cleveland today.

D’WAN MATHIS, QB (OUT)

The freshman quarterback underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his brain after the G-Day game. He has participated in non-contact drills with the team throughout the season and his status for next season will be a key decision for 2020.

JUSTIN SHAFFER, OL (OUT)

The junior offensive lineman started against Tennessee and South Carolina, but after suffering a neck sprain, has missed the balance of the season.

LAWRENCE CAGER, WR (OUT)

The grad transfer wide receiver from Miami was lost for the season prior to the Tech game when he went down in practice with an ankle injury that required surgery. He is tied for the team lead in receptions with 33 and is second in receiving yards (476) and touchdowns (4).