UGA isn’t just playing a team – it’s facing the Alabama aura
Emperor Saban and his band of crimson conquerors charge onward to the next fray. (AP photo)
Heard often: Georgia’s path to the SEC championship game was facilitated by a schedule that didn’t include Western powers Alabama (No. 2 in the BCS standings), LSU (No. 7) and Texas A&M (No. 9).
Heard less often: Alabama’s path to the SEC championship game was facilitated by a schedule that didn’t include Eastern powers Georgia (No. 3), Florida (No. 4) and South Carolina (No. 10).
Heard often: Georgia’s biggest victory of the season was largely a function of six Florida turnovers.
Heard less often: Alabama’s biggest victory of the season was largely a function of four failed kicking ploys from the fertile mind of LSU’s Les Miles.
There’s a military acronym — RHIP. It stands for, “Rank has its privileges.” Ranking matters in college football, where two-thirds of the BCS standings consist of human polls, and privilege has tangible benefits. The benefit of being Alabama is that you never have to explain yourself. You’re Bama. ‘Nuff said.
On Nov. 5, 2011, second-ranked Alabama lost at home to No. 1 LSU. The Crimson Tide dropped one spot in the BCS standings. Two weeks later, Bama was back at No. 2, a position that enabled it to win the BCS title without taking its division or conference.
On Nov. 10, 2012, top-ranked Alabama lost at home to No. 15 Texas A&M. The Tide slid to No. 4, trailing three unbeaten teams. A week later, Bama was back at No. 2. Contrast this with Oregon, which was ranked No. 2 but lost at home to No. 13 Stanford. The Ducks dropped No. 5, behind three once-beaten teams. Mortals pay for losing. Alabama never falls far or stays down long. Alone among collegiate programs, it comes equipped with an aura.
But you know what? The halo fits. When you get as good as Alabama has gotten, you’ve earned the benefit of every doubt — not that there’s much cause for doubting. This is the premier program in the only conference that matters, and it keeps re-staking the claim.
Two years ago, its nemesis had the nerve to land Cam Newton and beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa after trailing 24-0 and won a national championship of its own, but where is Auburn today? Looking for a new coach. Where is Bama? Two games from a third BCS title in four seasons.
Even by Alabama’s lofty standards, its place in contemporary football is remarkable. It reigns over the sport in a way not seen since … Oklahoma under Bud Wilkinson? Notre Dame under Ara Parseghian? Bama itself under the Bear?
Alabama has been ranked No. 1 in each of the past five seasons, and in 2009 and 2011 it was No. 1 at the end. Bama moves inexorably from strength to strength. It has the ablest recruits, the wildest fans, the best coach.
About Nick Saban, all we need to know is this: He lost four first-round draftees to the NFL in April 2011 and won a national championship 8 1/2 months later. It was his third BCS title, and still he labors as if hellhounds were on his trail. Apologies to Urban Meyer, but Saban is the emperor of college football. Know how the NBA borrowed Jerry West’s silhouette for its logo? The BCS could do the same with Saban.
Loading ...No, Alabama doesn’t win every championship, or even every game. It lost to A&M 2 1/2 weeks ago. It lost twice in a row to LSU, where once Saban worked. It lost to Utah in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2, 2009. Heck, it lost to Louisiana-Monroe in 2007. But that was near the end of Saban’s first season as coach, which ended with the Tide at 7-6. Alabama has since gone 59-7, which in this league in this era is outrageous.
Still, there are gradations within the greatness. If you look hard, you’ll note that the Tide’s defense is yielding 40 more yards a game this season than it did in 2011. (Now as then, Alabama leads the nation in total defense.) In eight quarters plus an overtime, the LSU of last season managed 331 yards and nine points against the Tide D; in four quarters last month, LSU as quarterbacked by the Georgia exile Zach Mettenberger managed 435 yards and 17 points.
If you’re Georgia, which has reached consecutive SEC title games without exactly swaying the electorate, those numbers offer hope for what looms as the Bulldogs’ most significant game since Herschel Walker split for the USFL. Any program in search of ultimate validation must get past Saban and his minions. The past five national titles have been taken either by Alabama or by a team that beat a Saban-coached Alabama.
Win Saturday and nobody will ever again ask these Bulldogs, “Yeah, but who did you beat?” Win Saturday and Georgia will have bettered Bama, and Bama is the best. ‘Nuff said.
Further reading: This week’s Heat Check — Destiny’s Dogs? No-bowl Jackets? Whoa, Nelly.
By Mark Bradley
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443 comments Add your comment
Geaux Tigers
November 26th, 2012
3:17 pm
Georgia is going to beat Alabama like a red headed step child.
Geaux Tigers
November 26th, 2012
3:18 pm
Alabama’s State Moto: Like a 3rd World country just closer!!
NFL Fan
November 26th, 2012
3:18 pm
This is going to come down to coaching and Saban is like Petreaus without the sex scandal (that we know of). – GA has a tough time beating not only really good teams but teams with an aura as this writer mentions. GA is a good team and has a very respectable coach but when you think of the great college teams of time….UGA just isnt’ up there. Alabama will win by 17.
Steve
November 26th, 2012
3:19 pm
I can’t believe “fans” are coming on here saying how bad UGA will beat Bama. If UGA does win, it will be by 7 or less and this is coming from a UGA fan. Be realistic.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:19 pm
Did Wright Bazemore ever face a superior opponent?
bulldogmaniac
November 26th, 2012
3:19 pm
Hat’s off to Alabama.
As much as it pains me to say………they have been the best team for the past few years.
That being said….this Saturday’s game should be the NC game.
Both are better than Notre Dame.
Key for a dawg victory……….. O line must protect Murray and give him enough time in the pocket to make good reads. As much as I love what Gurley and Marshall bring to the table….they have not faced a run D like they will face on Saturday. Murray will either win or lose this game.
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:19 pm
It seems the Dawgs and Bama’s shortcomings this year
were contributed to not being able to contain a mobile
quarterback, USC and A & M.
Neither the Dawgs nor Bama have mobile quarterbacks,
thus I feel the Dawgs have an advantage with Jarvis
Jones and Ogletree.
Just need to slow down Bama’s running game, put pressure
on A. J. and I think things will work out.
A. J. has to be a little like Murray leading up to the USC game
thinking about Clowney; with A. J. not be able to sleep well
thinking about Jarvis. More pressure on A. J. than Murray leading
up to the big game.
Commit to the G
November 26th, 2012
3:20 pm
The time is NOW!! Dawgs need to play to win and Richt needs to coach to win. Do just like Texas A&M did, hit’em early and often.
Don’t play to lose or keep it close till the 4th quarter, need to GATA!!
Dawgs get the lead, keep pouring it on. Don’t let up!!
This chance to do something special does not come often, take advantage of it. Beat Bama and then go take care of some Irish!!
GO DAWGS!!
Boom-Boom
November 26th, 2012
3:20 pm
Hey Nerds, I will slap the stinger off of your over educated non job getting A$$.
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:23 pm
@Big Crimson 75 – Baze faced many opponents with better personell,
but always knew they had at least one weakness, and he usually would
capitalize on it. Example, VHS had about a 1000 students back then,
and would face, say, Ol’ Lanier High in Macon, an all boys school with
1500 students. He could coach his players to run thru a brick wall.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:24 pm
Hat’s off to Alabama.
As much as it pains me to say………they have been the best team for the past few years.
That being said….this Saturday’s game should be the NC game.
Both are better than Notre Dame
——-
What’s so painful about it?
Don’t Hate — Congratulate.
Ill remind those once again — Saban has been doing this for over 20 years at 4 different schools, the man does it the right way.
Did Toledo get probation once he left?
How bout Michigan St?
What about LSU?
I understand his demeanor isn’t for everyone, butt the Man coaches with passion & his teams are great representatives for College Football.
GTBob
November 26th, 2012
3:27 pm
Total Defense: Bama: 1st, UGA: 22nd
Rushing Defense: Bama: 2nd, UGA: 69th
Passing Defense: Bama: 3rd, UGA: 9th
Scoring Defense: Bama: 1st, UGA: 16th
Yet somehow UGA fans are arguing that they will win because of their superior defense.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:30 pm
Shank — I have friends from Valdosta, believe me, I’ve heard the stories!!
Didn’t they play an epic game against Clarke Central way back in the day??, or maybe they slaughtered them for a state title??
I seem to hear that story more than others.
Fat Chance mutts
November 26th, 2012
3:30 pm
“The past five national titles have been taken either by Alabama or by a team that beat a Saban-coached Alabama.” That speaks volumes for Saban. As Ric flair said, “To be the man you gotta beat the man” Mark Richt just is not the man to do it. But hey, he is a nice guy though. Haha Saban is going to dismantle the mutts like The Ol’ Ball Coach did earlier this year.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:32 pm
Bobby — not exactly a banner day for the ‘ol ACC Saturday!!
ND can’t half-way get there soon enough!!
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:32 pm
GTBob – But, you can’t judge UGA’s defense rankings with Bama’s
cause UGA had to play a much tuffer schedule, i. e., Ga. Tech, etc.
Joey
November 26th, 2012
3:33 pm
What’s really crazy is that Saban is going for his 4th BCS Title in a decade.
That’s incredible.
Beachdawg
November 26th, 2012
3:35 pm
Come on y’all…Alabama deserves their props…but so does Georgia..Who knows what happened in Columbia??? but they could’ve folded their tents and quit for the year, but they didn’t. It happens…so says Forrest Gump…an Alabama man..but don’t you know in Oregon, Kansas, Gainesville..and on and on…lust to be in Georgia’s position…Just give me a chance..they’re thinking. But they don’t have it. Unless the Mayans weren’t kidding..the world won’t end, at least, this Saturday if either Georgia or Bama loses..
Even as we blog our infinite wisdom, there are players and coaches looking for weaknesses in the other teams armor..and there are weaknesses with BOTH. Don’t think that Saban is walking in there thinking that UGA is just a bump in the road “on our way.”. And that’s part of why he’s so good…but Richt, Bobo, Grantham and others are doing the same. Let’s look forward to a Great game this Saturday…maybe a Classic..and as a Dawg fan, I hope it’s in our favor. At least there’s a Chance. Sic’em.
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:37 pm
VHS lost to Athens High (Clark Central) quarterbacked by
Fran Tarkenton, back in the 50’s, tied in ‘69 to Clark Central
quarterbacked by Andy Johnson; but won on three other
occasions, one of VHS’s greatest rivals. Also, won over
Bessemer and Robert E. Lee, who later won the Bama
state championships with one loss, that being to VHS.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:37 pm
Jimbo is leaving FSU for Aubie.
Bank it.
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
3:38 pm
Tech can lose the ACC consolation errr championship game and not go to a bowl. Now that’s funny
Papa Smurf
November 26th, 2012
3:38 pm
Alabama has the history, Alabama has the tradition, Alabama has the success that other programs strive for, and if Georgia and Bama play 10 times, Bama may win 9 times. That being said, I hope that this Saturday is Georgia’s 1 time. Go Dawgs!!!
Defense wins Titles
November 26th, 2012
3:39 pm
Just cancel NCAA Football and give Bammer the title every year. Saban, l disagree with cutting 18 year old kids loose from scholarships because of injuries. Not Christian. Not Chriistian equals Antichristian.
Deacon Blues
November 26th, 2012
3:39 pm
Coach Richt just announced he is calling for a Blackout on Saturday at the Dome!
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:40 pm
Shank — that’s it. The ‘69 game is the one I hear about.
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:42 pm
@Papa Smurf – Apparently you don’t have much history on the last
“ten years” between the Dawgs and Bama, I believe the Dawgs have
won 3 out of the last 4 meetings with Bama.
Old Dawg
November 26th, 2012
3:43 pm
For all the chest beating, our Dawgs have to play their very best to have a chance to beat the Tide. ALA is where they are for a reason, and that reason isn’t luck. It’s true they get the benefit of the doubt in ratings and officiating, but every traditional power does (see Ohio State, ND, etc). When you’re good, you get the benefits of being good. That said, they can be beaten. The only question is whether our players and staff have the will to do it. It will take more than talk by the players and fans or a strong desire to win. It will take, on the part of every player and coach, the sacrifice necessary to refuse to be beaten. I look forward to have the question answered on the field. Go Dawgs.
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:45 pm
@ Big Crimson 75 – “69 was the epic game with Clarke Central,
wound up co-champions, Andy Johnson scored and converted
a two pointer in the last minute of the game, after a turnover to
tie. Our quarterback was Don Golden, who later played for the
Dawgs, and unfortunately, Don and his wife were involved in a
fatal auto accident a few years ago.
Papa Smurf
November 26th, 2012
3:47 pm
@shankit I am a huge Dawg fan, but I would take Alabama’s overall success over the last 6 years versus winning 3 of the last 4 games from them. I would certainly take their National title success over the last 100 years versus our 2 titles. The Dawgs need to bring their A-game Saturday and if they do they may shock the world! I will be there Saturday and no my tickets are not for sale! Go Dawgs!
jackson
November 26th, 2012
3:50 pm
As an Alabama fan, Georgia has always been my next fav team in the SEC…I agree that its past time for Georgia to win a national championship, but just wish it wasn’t Alabama they are having to play to get there….The game shoud be a classic!
ATLWmn
November 26th, 2012
3:50 pm
@reality check: you say that the UF offense is the worst in the SEC. What are you smoking? They’re #4 in the polls, and they could never dream of being worse than Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri this year. I hate the gators, but they are consistently a decent team to beat.
And hey, at least Georgia can beat THEIR cupcakes. Middle Tennessee anyone?
shankit
November 26th, 2012
3:51 pm
@ Papa Smurf – Richt is the only coach in the SEC, I recall, with
a winning record against Saban. Let’s make it 4 out of the last 5.
secson
November 26th, 2012
3:52 pm
I don’t know why everybody is giving Alabama the win already. I think UGA is going to beat them. Bama secondary is not that good so Murray should be able to throw all over them. I only hope that the dawgs can get up for this one.
The Gator
November 26th, 2012
3:52 pm
Heard less often: Georgia was humiliated and embarrassed 35-7 by one of only two ranked opponents, and it barely squeaked by the other, which had a beaten up line after running a gauntlet of Texas A&M, LSU and South Carolina, and after committing six turnovers–three of which were unforced–was still in a position to tie Georgia with two minutes to go.
Also heard less often: 98% of Georgia’s BCS rank is the accrual of Florida’s bruising schedule, and Georgia is only in this position because Florida beat South Carolina.
Alabama will boat-race Georgia because Saban will coach circles around Richt. Oh, and Murray will choke.
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
3:52 pm
jackson
Then it doesn’t sound like you lose either way
Rich W
November 26th, 2012
3:53 pm
reality check time – must have gone to school in Alabama, that’s the only state in America where the Dawgs beating UF 17-9 means UF only lost by 4
Flo- Ri- Duh
November 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
Explain to me HOW Bummer had a more difficult schedule than UGA. Florida was ranked #2, S.C. was ranked #7 when UGA played them. Bummer lost to #15 A&M and were out played by LSU. Michigan was obviously over rated as was Arkansas who was in total disarray when Bummer played them. UGA blew out Ole Miss who just beat Miss State last saturday. Bummer had their share of easy games and their schedule was no more difficult than UGA’s.
The Bear
November 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
Going to be battle for sure! UGA is hitting there stride and Bama is rolling again! Whats up Big Crimson 75?
Roll Tide
MoDog
November 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
Georgia will shock the world and pull the huge upset! Georgia’s D will rule the game and mcscaron will be crying hard after a few hits!! Ga 31 tide 19!
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
Jackson — well said.
If UGA beats the 2 most storied Programs in the sport, Bama & ND, they certainly deserve to celebrate.
JB
November 26th, 2012
3:54 pm
You gotta hope……and think…..That this ain’t the same Georgia team from 08…. Nor the same Bama team……You gotta hope that the 7 or 8 guys playing D for the Dawgs, all very grown men with Many games under their belt, who will play on Sunday, will have something to say Saturday night…..That doesn’t scare me…..Bobo and Murray do. Both are known for doing bad and weird things when pressured. Bobo will call play after play that hasn’t worked the last 4 times he’s called it. Murray will suddenly throw balls 10 yards over the receivers head……….Get Bobo and Murray to have a special night…..We might sneak out with a W……..Bama IS beatable….Only if Dawgs play perfect and lights out.
GTT
November 26th, 2012
3:55 pm
Those Florida turnovers were mostly Georgia takeaways.
Papa Smurf
November 26th, 2012
3:55 pm
@shankit 4 out of 5 means we play for a National championship. I am in agreement with you there and Go Dawgs!
Old Dawg
November 26th, 2012
3:56 pm
shankit, I”m not a Cat but I witnessed the 69 game with Valdosta friends. They had no kids involved but were rabid. Until her death, the wife of my friend swore that Andy was 2 yards out of bounds on that big run of his. We laughed at her for 25 years. Have a great day, and go dawgs.
lanier
November 26th, 2012
3:57 pm
doubt the team cares a whit about this
GT
November 26th, 2012
3:58 pm
Georgia is a lot like the Falcons; until they do it they don’t get the respect. Also it is year in year out a much harder schedule at Alabama. Even the new entries, Missouri gets Georgia, Texas A&M draws Alabama and in doing so negates this match up which would have put Florida into the SEC championship, had Georgia lost earlier to Alabama. Of course you know all of this and just trying to write something to fill space.
Flo- Ri- Duh
November 26th, 2012
3:58 pm
ESPN’s Jessie Palmer says that UGA would be a more difficult match up for Notre Dame than Bummer and that UGA has more talent on defense and Murray is a better QB and has better WR’s to throw too. He said that UGA has the most talented defense in the NATION.
Papa Smurf
November 26th, 2012
3:59 pm
@lanier…I have it on good authority that AJC blogs are must reads for Georgia and Alabama players this week!
K-I-S-S DAWG
November 26th, 2012
3:59 pm
O-line and turnovers. Simple. Dawg’s line protects Murray. No turnovers. Unleash Jarvis!
DIT
November 26th, 2012
4:03 pm
The difference in this game is that Bama could get away with a mistake or 2 and still win. UGA can’t afford any mistakes. This has to be by far the best game of the year for the Dawgs. As crazy as it sounds I feel the Dawgs would of had a better chance had the Tide not lost to A&M.
Good luck my Bama friends. Let’s hope this one goes down as a classic.
Go Dawgs!