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
Dawg Talk
November 26th, 2012
4:50 pm
Dawgs win the game!
Tide Rising
November 26th, 2012
4:52 pm
“Rambo is right in that UGA has more talented players this year.”
Who are these morons who keep figuring that UGA has more talent. Bama has had the no. 1 ranked recruiting class in at least 1 or 2 of the 3 recruiting services for 5 straight years. In that same time span Georgia has had several top 10 classes but I don’t know if any of them were even top 5. In any event Bama’s recruiting efforts over the past 5 years have exceeded everyone. You dawg fans say some really, really dumb things.
Red Stick
November 26th, 2012
4:53 pm
Beast, congrats on a big win. The Gators have had the most impressive season in the SEC in my opinion.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
4:54 pm
LSU almost beat them, and A&M beat them in Bama. They aren’t Godzs people. Even though they have been shown to be human, some of you morons insist they are unbeatable. For Chritz sakes, give me a break. UGA has a very similar team to both A&M & LSU! UGA is peeking at the right time so I will tell you now, “It will not be a blowout…”It should be a good close game…
TideDawg
November 26th, 2012
4:55 pm
Ok, I went to Alabama for my undergrad degree…UGA for my graduate degree. I’m a Georgia native. This one is gonna be tough to watch. Look at it this way, if the Dawgs beat Bama they have a legitimate claim for the BCS title game after beating the best of the West and East. I’ll let Bama be the measuring stick for football excellence any day…and if the Dawgs exceed it…then good for them.
Tiger Dawg
November 26th, 2012
4:56 pm
I look forward to UGA taking a HUGE BULLDAWG BITE out of that Elephant Bootie!!!!
Halmorris4
November 26th, 2012
4:56 pm
Should be a great game. I’m a Bama fan, life long, and I have to tell you, this is the best Georgia team I have seen. Should be a bare knuckle brawl. No predictions here, but I will say this, I did not expect Alabama to be here, they lost too much. I did expect Georgia to be here, not because of any schedule, because of veteran players coming back. If Georgia is to win a championship soon, this may be their best chance, for a while. Roll Tide!
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
4:58 pm
Stick — what’s the over/under on a half-filled stadium in Charlotte this weekend?
I envision those black canvases covering the upper deck all across the stadium!!
Jmicceys1
November 26th, 2012
4:58 pm
Has Mark Bradley every said anything positive about the Dawgs? Did he get rejected from there coming out of high school? The Alabama aura, they sucked for years until Saban got there.
Ed
November 26th, 2012
4:59 pm
“Heard often: Georgia’s biggest victory of the season was largely a function of six Florida turnovers.”
True, but irrelevant. Aggressive defenses force turnovers, nothing new there.
3 turnovers and over 100 penalty yards…Georgia did everything it could to give the game to Florida. If they were unable or unwilling to take advantage, it means they were not the better team that day.
DawgFaceBlues
November 26th, 2012
5:01 pm
Russ, the Temporary Mascot, now Uga IX
—————–
thats some funny a$$ shat!
Jmicceys1
November 26th, 2012
5:01 pm
Do you even need to fill out an application to go to Alabama? I thought you just showed up for orientation.
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
5:03 pm
Damn,
DawginLex
BC75
The Bear
Beast
DIT
FRICKIN Red Stick
Holy crap on a cracker, who’s next???
It’s great to have all you guys togeather again…
GTBob
November 26th, 2012
5:03 pm
So much for honor & tradition.
Tradition is being replaced by cash in the modern world of college football. You should know that. It was Maryland’s choice to leave. They wanted more money in exchange for giving up their tradition.
Ed
November 26th, 2012
5:03 pm
“Alone among collegiate programs, it comes equipped with an aura.”
Not entirely alone. Notre Dame started the season unranked, but rocketed up the rankings with each win. There’s no doubt the ND aura had a lot to do with that. But I would say that Alabama and Notre Dame are in their own aura class, with USC, Michigan, Oklahoma and Texas closely behind.
Just my two cents.
Beast from the East
November 26th, 2012
5:04 pm
Red Stick,
Thanks. Where do you think the Tigers are going bowling this year? I’ve heard the Chick-Fil-A bowl from several outlets. I just hope IF the Gators get the Sugar Bowl invite, we get Oklahoma and not Kent State or Louisville. That would suck!
Saw Dawg
November 26th, 2012
5:06 pm
Alabama is OVERATED year after year. They are afraid of the DAWGS and schedule around them except on the leanest years. It is time for the Tide to show what poor mettle they are. No class and overrated talent. It’s a fact. Don’t deny it! They probably will get lost on the way to our Dome. The Home Depot, a GEORGIA store, has locked up their landscaping rocks so none of the Alabamians get caught at the state line importing counterfeit currency.
Exxon Dawg
November 26th, 2012
5:06 pm
Tide is OVERATED.
Gary
November 26th, 2012
5:07 pm
I can live with hope. I hope we win. I hope somehow bama just isn’t playing sharp. I hope our players focus. I hope we win. If we don’t, congrats to Bama. It is a hell of a team. I WILL be rooting for them against ND. I hope they will do the same if the tide turns for the dogs. If has been a few years since the horrible black out, our defense better be ready ro it may be a repeat embarrassment. Good news is no one would be talking about it on Sunday. All anyone will talk about is Bama vs. ND because that is what is expected.
Big Crimson 75
November 26th, 2012
5:07 pm
Lex — Are the Cats cutting the nets down this year?
They don’t seem to be as strong as the last 2 squads, which is certainly understandable.
Clarke County Dawg
November 26th, 2012
5:08 pm
Alabama is the third best team in the SEC. Dawgs are gonna make em bleed!
Gary
November 26th, 2012
5:08 pm
Saw Dawg – How is a team with two crystal trophies in three years overrated?
HPDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:09 pm
Sorry to the Alabama fans out there, but you are simply in the way of destiny. History will repeat itself with Gurshall replacing Herschel to lead the Dawgs over the Irish in Jan!! GO DAWGS!
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
5:10 pm
Who’s next…
And Bobby pop’s in, lol. I had to ask…
I will say this, if we lose, I hope Bama goes on to Drill ND and embarrass them on the National Stage…
DawginLex
November 26th, 2012
5:12 pm
No on the Cats. PG has been sick, lost 7 pounds and had to go tend to a family thing. Just now back but he is undersized. They are a Sweet 16 team IMO, maybe Elite 8. Advantage is the whole NCAA b-ball is down.
Indiana is real. Louisville not far behind. Duke pretty loaded too. I would beat Kentucky now though. Next year is 5 NBA 1st rounders coming.
The King is Dethroned!!!
November 26th, 2012
5:13 pm
There is a new sheriff in town called UGA. Saban, you have had the throne too long! It’s time to cut the head off the dragon! Move over or get run over!!! Go Dawgs!!!!
Gary
November 26th, 2012
5:14 pm
Ed – ND has NO aura. I am drooling at a shot at ND. I know Georgia can beat them. I know Bama can beat them. They have no recent history of success. They are over confident and have not played the talent faced in the SEC. I think Tech could beat ND. The only thing between Georgia and the crystal trophy is Bama.
DawginLex
November 26th, 2012
5:15 pm
Some of you dudes are tripping. Saban is going to have them ready to play. Richt is confident too. We actually have a running game and a QB who is playing with lots of confidence.
The OL for UGA has got to do enough to get Murray some time. Our WR and Te are very underrated and Bama has given up yards thorugh the air. Murray CANNOT stay in the pocket though. That is the key to the game. Murray must get on the edge outside of contain and run a little.
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
5:16 pm
I’m proud of the SEC. We are lucky to be able to compete in the greatest Conference in America. 6 of the top 11 teams in the country…
HPDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:18 pm
I do agree kingdaddy…
Gary
November 26th, 2012
5:20 pm
Bama has more depth. I think our starters are as good if not better than many of theirs, but when they substitute and keep their 4 and 5 stars fresh, our team will be tired. Happened against LSU as well last year in the dome. That is my big worry. That and Murray loosing his head in the big game and throwing INT’s like mardigraw beads from a parade float. CMR needs to earn his money this week in preparation. This better not look like the BSU game in the dome last year.
Erk
November 26th, 2012
5:21 pm
Bama definitely has the big game experience advantage. I think we have a decent shot of beating them, moreso than we had in the early to midseason range, especially the way we’re playing now. Obviously Murray has to settle down if things don’t go well early.
All I’m hearing about the Florida win is that they gave us the game with their 6 turnovers. Can anyone name one of those turnovers that Georgia’s defense did not cause?
GTBob
November 26th, 2012
5:21 pm
I’m proud of the SEC. We are lucky to be able to compete in the greatest Conference in America. 6 of the top 11 teams in the country…
What is this? Preemptive coattail riding?
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
5:22 pm
If we can establish any run game, then Murray with the play-action is pretty good. I think if anyone team is tense, it will be UGA not Bama. Game may come down to Special Teams and a couple of lucky bounces…
1lovefalcons20
November 26th, 2012
5:22 pm
Alabama 48 Georgia 3… georgia overated and has played only weak teams to pump up thier record..it doesnt belong in the elite team catagory..
ScoutDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:23 pm
If you think the Tide is overrated you must be hanging out with the Honey Reefer, er… Badger. Ditto for the Dawgs. Who cares what you haters think, talking about Bama aura, this is about SEC Supremacy. Furthermore, for all you haters, yes Suckeye- St simons-whatever this means you, since UGA is driving its’ own train I was pulling for ALL of those SEC teams against the ACC. So we got our shot, if we win everyone else can STFU. If we lose so be it no shame in losing to the SEC Champs. After all that Geaux Tigers, Chomp Chomp Gators, and YES even, go Cocks.
GTBob
November 26th, 2012
5:24 pm
Can anyone name one of those turnovers that Georgia’s defense did not cause?
End of the first half, Driskel rolling out to the right as time is running out. No one is open. He decides for some reason to throw across his body over the middle of the field to a receiver who wasn’t even open.
DawginLex
November 26th, 2012
5:25 pm
Georgia 17
Florida 9
1lovefalcons, we beat florida who beat TAM, LSU and SC. WE are the reason they are not playing Bama. You are an idiot
ScoutDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:27 pm
No one is open… do you not see the turnover causation?
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA IS A TECH TROLL
November 26th, 2012
5:27 pm
Yup!
Strange Murphy
November 26th, 2012
5:28 pm
GTBob! Your team and school both suck. Go back to collecting cans on the side of the road so you can get something to drink.
Loser!
GTBob
November 26th, 2012
5:28 pm
No one is open… do you not see the turnover causation?
If you throw the ball across your body over the middle to a covered receiver that is a QB mistake. Not an amazing defensive play. He also completely flubbed a pass in the 3rd quarter that wasn’t within 20 yards of a Florida receiver. I guess that was another UGA “forced” turnover.
Beachdawg
November 26th, 2012
5:30 pm
I’m curious. What tradition does the ACC have…in FOOTBALL???? And if FSU had come back to the SEC when invited, Fisher wouldn’t have to jump ship. Superior would have NEVER come to S.Car. if they’d been in the ACC…Wow….Tradition !!!
hamptondawg
November 26th, 2012
5:32 pm
“To be the man, you gotta beat the man!” sums it up. Georgia has done well under Richt, consistently winning and always talented but Bama has been dominant under Saban. I believe the talent on the teams is very close year in and year out. The difference is that the kids going to Bama know they are there to play football and that there is no safety net whereas at Georgia, if a kid goes soft or gets in trouble he will always get another chance. If you are of the mind that stuff like “developing young men” matters, Richt is your man. If above all your focus is winning, Saban is. Georgia is not Bama and never will be because the base doesn’t support a win at any cost approach. That’s not a knock on Bama and as a Georgia fan it’s fine with me. I think we have something for them this year, we’ll see. But regardless, Bama will be back in the hunt for the NC right away and Georgia will begin waiting on the stars to line up again.
kingdaddy
November 26th, 2012
5:33 pm
Bob
Preemptive coattail riding?
That’s affirmative bobbert…just because we can…
We are great teams in a great Conference. Unlike you Bob, we respect our own conference. You on the other hand, are miserable and sad. You can always do what a lot of other Tech fans have done and adopt Bama…Come to the Dark Side Bob…
ScoutDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:34 pm
Yeah nerd, you could make that decision in the 1.7 seconds you have available to avoid that MONSTROUS FU pass rush.
Beast from the East
November 26th, 2012
5:35 pm
I call all interceptions “forced”. He was under pressure and made bad decisions that the Dawgs took advantage of. We did fumble 3 times without any assistance from UGA. Bad snaps and mis-handled exchanges. THOSE were not forced. Doesn’t matter anyway. UGA did what they had to do and UF did not. Sucks for us Gators, but it is what it is.
ARdawg
November 26th, 2012
5:36 pm
GTBobby
Your incessant whining is beginning to wear thin. Have you seen any bowl projections for Tech or are they Tank projections?
ScoutDawg
November 26th, 2012
5:36 pm
OK nerd done with ya. Maybe we win maybe we lose, BUT WE ARE THERE. Good luck with your BCS bowl, hm,hm…
jacketdad
November 26th, 2012
5:37 pm
For better or worse, this game will boil down to how well Aaron Murray handles the pressure that Bama is going to bring. I can understand why he does not want to talk to the media this week because this game is going to define his career at UGA. If he can take the heat and hit some open receivers then UGA has an excellent chance to win. However, if he reverts to anything like his performance against South Carolina or the first half against Florida, then this game could be over at halftime.