Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

Due to a minor technical issue, we will be posting the top 5 winners by Tuesday, January 16.

Top 5 winners

1. Kim Anderson (248 PTS)
2. Allen Reece (248 PTS)
3. broomstra***@gmail.com (248 PTS)
4. gordoncla***@gmail.com (248 PTS)
5. jwsti***@yahoo.com (248 PTS)

Overview:

On Monday, January 8^th, the (13-1) Georgia Bulldogs will take on the (12-1) Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football National Championship Game presented by AT&T.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Alabama 29.5 – Georgia 25.9 with an over/under of 55.4.

2017-18 Statistics (127 total teams):

Passing offense: Alabama 193.9 YPG > Georgia 172.9 YPG

Rushing offense: Georgia 267.4 YPG > Alabama 255.8 YPG

Scoring offense: Alabama 37.9 PPG > Georgia 36.3 PPG

Scoring defense: Alabama 11.5 PPG > Georgia 13.2 PPG

Passing defense: Georgia 158.3 YPG > Alabama 163.7 YPG

Rushing defense: Alabama 94.1 YPG > Georgia 112.6 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Alabama +1.0 > Georgia +0.4

Strength of schedule:

Alabama is (12-1) with wins over Clemson, Florida State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi State, and Mercer.  Their only loss came against Auburn.  Georgia is (13-1) with wins over Appalachian State, Notre Dame, Samford, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Oklahoma.  Their lone defeat came against Auburn.

Summary:

Alabama ranks 27^th in total offense (450.0 YPG) and 12^th in points per game (37.9).  The Crimson Tide rank 1^st in scoring defense (11.5 PPG).  After defeating Clemson 24-6 in the Sugar Bowl, Alabama’s defense proved they are the best in college football.  Alabama outgained Clemson 261-188 in total yardage.  Jalen Hurts was 16-24 for 120 yards and two touchdowns.  The trio of Hurts, Damien Harris, and Bo Scarbrough totaled 141 rushing yards on 42 carries (3.4 average).  Calvin Ridley caught a touchdown despite only having four catches for 39 yards.  The Crimson Tide were able to force two turnovers and hold an explosive Clemson offense under 200 total yards.

Georgia ranks 31^st in total offense (440.0 YPG) and 17^th in scoring offense (36.3 PPG).  The Bulldogs rank 4^th in scoring defense (13.2 PPG).  Georgia was able to outscore Oklahoma 54-48 in an overtime thriller.  Oklahoma outgained Georgia 531-527 but Georgia was able to make plays in the critical moments that decided the game.  Jake Fromm showed great poise for a freshman going 20-29 for 210 yards and two touchdowns.  The dynamic running duo of Sony Michel and Nick Chubb ran wild against the Sooners defense.  Michel had 11 carries for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns while Chubb had 14 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns.  Georgia’s defense held Baker Mayfield to under 300 yards passing and forced a crucial interception.

Bottom Line:

I expect a low scoring game with each team trying to impose their will running the football.  Alabama’s dominant defense won’t allow Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to run wild like they did against Oklahoma.  Jalen Hurts will certainly be an X-factor with his dual threat ability.  Alabama has the experience of playing in the national title game for the third consecutive year and I like them to win this one.

Contest Rules:

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All prizes will be sent by e-mail within two weeks after the conclusion of each contest.