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
Smitty
November 26th, 2012
11:34 pm
Actually….we have bought our trip to Miami…..Go Dawgs…
Smitty
November 26th, 2012
11:35 pm
ND wants Alabama to win because they think Alabama is easier team to beat…
Smitty
November 26th, 2012
11:36 pm
LSU….are you in SEC championship this year…..not!!!!
Smitty
November 26th, 2012
11:38 pm
LSU…just be glad we sent you a boob grapping QB….
Georgia
November 26th, 2012
11:49 pm
To win, our defense is going to have to set the tone early. Jarvis Jones and company are going to have to put McCarron on his back early and often the whole game. We can not give him all day to pass like he does every other game. Second, the d-line, linebackers and the rest are going to have to hit and tackle Lacey and Yeldon harder than they have ever been. Third, the Corners and Safetys can’t let Cooper run past them or even catch the ball. Take these four players out of the equation and Georgia will win the SEC Championship.
If our o-line keeps creating the holes they have been to establish the run game, then I think Murrary can pass all over them. Their secondary appears to be their weak length.
No matter how much Saban studies his playbook and gameplan and goes into toddler tantrums with his boys in bubbalussa, he will never be as much of a class act as Georgia’s coach Mark Richt.
Beachdawg
November 26th, 2012
11:49 pm
Bear, Saban, it doesn’t matter. I saw Alabama and Bear Bryant come to Sanford Stadium in 1976 and lose to Matt Robinson and the “wonderdawgs” 21-0. Call on the past all you like…Georgia recalls Herschel as Bama recalls Bear…It’s history…it happened..and no one knows about Saturday. If it ain’t your day…it ain’t your day…whether its Bear, Saban, Herschel or Richt. That’s why they play the games…All this chatter is just that…..talk.
Dawg Nation
November 26th, 2012
11:51 pm
@GTBob It’s called UGA envy, every Jacket has it. Just go ahead and channel that inner Bulldog. Buy the pretty red jersey, 34 is always a good choice, and pick yourself up a copy of “Munson’s Greatest Calls”. Throw in a framed picture of UGA, baseball cap, lanyard, and cell phone cover while you’re at it, and just for good measure maybe a little Lewis Grizzard.
LSU 42, UGA 10
November 26th, 2012
11:54 pm
Somebody had a stat on here about how many points UGA has been outscored when playing a ranked team versus how much Alabama has outscored their ranked opponents.
I’m curious over the last two years what that result is? … I hate to do all the legwork… but thanks to wikipedia… I’ll do it.
UGA last 2 years against 6 ranked opponents: Boise, South Carolina, LSU, MSU, USC and Florida… outscored 171 to 155.
Alabama… 10 ranked opponents and outscored them 254 to 111. And that’s not an Oregon team, it’s a running game.
Look at that average, UGA gives up nearly 30 points a game, 28.5. Alabama only gives up 11.1 against ranked opponents. I think UGA will get smothered on offense and their inability to stop the run will kill them and that’s all Alabama want’s to do is run. And I don’t think Georgia will be able to stop them even when they know it’s coming.
Alabama big. Maybe not as big as our beat down last year but probably mid 30s and UGA might not score. Or Saban will destroy his players between the SECCG and the time they kick off in the BCS National Championship game.
LSU 42, UGA 10
November 27th, 2012
12:01 am
@beach
I think people are calling on recent history, like this year, last year, year before. In that time Alabama has been phenomenal, UGA has been lousy but benefited from Florida and Tennessee sucking so bad and South Carolina playing a tougher schedule then they had to. South Carolina was ranked higher in the BCS last year than Georgia. They were the best team in the East.
Going on recent history, like this year alone, this game isn’t close. Not when UGA struggles to beat Tennessee and Kentucky and gets demolished by South Carolina. Sure you beat Florida, but Florida is horribly over ranked and needed massive bad play from FSU to win and still almost beat UGA.
They and Georgia are benefiting from the work of the SEC Western schools that have produced most of the SEC National Championships. And we just added A&M.
RanDawg
November 27th, 2012
12:02 am
-This is the kind of talk that the Dawgs can not listen to this week….they can NOT be intimadated by the Ala. “aura”….If they go into the game with that mindset they WILL lose….They have to believe they can win( and they CAN) and plan on going in there to smack the other team in the mouth…
-Also,they must be prepared for some adversity….Ala WILL score and they MAY be ahead of the Dawgs early on,but the Dawgs MUST believe they can play with these guys,relax,and play their game….
Keys to Victory
November 27th, 2012
12:09 am
Elimate their strength and ability to score. Pound (MLYC) McCarron Lacy, Yeldon, Cooper from start to finish. Our defense is going to have to look at ourselves like an offense knocking them backwards towards the opposite endzone. Because their o-line trys to steamroll opponents down the field, our defense will have to be much more physical and streamroll them back the opposite direction. We did it for the 1st half in last years SEC championship. We will have to do it for 4 quarters this year. Get ready and leave it all on the field. Go Dawgs!
boykin
November 27th, 2012
12:09 am
Don’t listen/read the naysayers! We’re a better D and much better on Offfense!
BAMA cannot outscore US!
kingdaddy
November 27th, 2012
12:17 am
Why would an LSU fan want Bama to win? Why would you even care about UGA/BAM? Just another UGA hater hiding behind another team, lol…
42-10—Techie or cock???
Dawg Nation
November 27th, 2012
12:27 am
LSU fan rooting for Bama? Whatever dude, it’s a free country. UGA does best when they are perceived to be the underdog, so Mr. LSU’s comments can only inspire our Junkyard Dawgs. Mr. Rambo’s comments are the one’s that give me pause. The uncertainty of it all is part of being a UGA fan. Back in the Dooley days, you just knew if the Dawgs were within a touchdown in the 4th quarter, they had a chance against anybody. If they needed a turnover, the ball found it’s way into our hands more often than not at the bottom of a pile. Lately the anticipation of winning has been replaced by the fear of choking, at least from a fan’s perspective. This team just needs to stay motivated, disciplined and hungry. We should be the underdogs vs Bama considering their body of work, no argument there and much respect for the Bama fans who are as passionate as we are, but I like our chances! Hunker Down You Hairy Dawgs…we all love you…now…Sick Em !!!!!!!
Brian
November 27th, 2012
12:35 am
Mark,
As you mentioned, I have heard over and over again that UGA beat a Florida team that had a terrible game and turned the ball over six times. People seem to love to discredit the quality of this win. My question for you is why hasn’t anyone mentioned the fact that UGA CAUSED 4/6 Florida turnovers? Florida didn’t just turn the ball over for fun (that role was played by Aaron Murray). Jarvis jones and the rest of the defense tormented Florida’s QB and FORCED Florida to turn the ball over. Their QB was constantly on his back, under pressure, getting hit, getting the ball stripped. Why is it that members of the media and fans of other teams fail to point out that Florida was forced to play bad by a relentless Georgia defense. Florida was physically beaten on both sides off the ball (Todd gurley physically ran over the Florida defense in route to a 100 yard performance, the defense physically defeated the Florida offense). Anyone who watched the game knows this to be true. So why is nobody bringing this to light when the Dawgs victory over Florida is being written off as Florida beating themselves? Let’s face it, Georgia beat Florida.
Dawg Nation
November 27th, 2012
12:44 am
Yes we love you too Rambo…you mean, nasty, Junkyard Dawg!
FBomb
November 27th, 2012
12:46 am
Finally, I believe Richt will have his team ready for Bama… Bama D has been suspect…see LSU and A&M game and GA will outscore Bama.
blahblah
November 27th, 2012
1:14 am
If we still had Brown and Bennett we could have won, and that’s not an excuse, and the other receivers seem to be great completion receivers, but still……I think we will miss Bennett in the slot.
Aura?
November 27th, 2012
1:22 am
It is more like a strange religious cult that wears crimson and houndstooth clothing 365 days a year with flags hanging from cars just as often. Since there are no Pro teams in the state, it is like the equivalent of a minor league football team that just happens to be associated with a university. It’s kind of like a much larger scale highschool football atmoshphere. It seems much different and odd compared to the other SEC school atmospheres at UGA, Florida, LSU and others. Their team and fans don’t not seem as layed back, fun, and down to earth as UGA’s and others that are in the SEC.
They need to take notes this weekend in Georgia on what its like to be a part of a state and a great University with a Head Coach that is much bigger and prouder than just winning college football games. Go Dawgs!
Show me the Money
November 27th, 2012
2:08 am
Wonder why espn and the rest of the media talk up everbody else but Georgia. It doesn’t matter if UGA was 12-0 and ranked # 1 in the country right now. They would be talking up somebody else.
Its actually been kind of humorous each week when we move up in the rankings how they talk about everybody who lost or could have a long shot chance at a bowl game. Even our own David Pollack has sold out to the ones signing his paycheck. He won’t even speak up for his team and Alma Mater. It’s pathetic. It’s because they are all pulling for the largest markets that will pull in the highest viewership and ratings and generate the most mula. That’s the main reason Texas A&M and Missouri were brought into the SEC. Those are huge TV markets that generate a lot more revenue. UGA is going to have earn it’s publicity the old fashion way. They are going to have to win two more football games. No one will be able to ignore them after this is accomplished.
Gimme a break
November 27th, 2012
4:02 am
Um. 1 to 4 three spots, 2 to 5. Umm three spots. Your point is ,Bradley? Maybe it’s u don’t do simple math well
Stinger 2
November 27th, 2012
5:30 am
I pull for UGA and Coach Richt to win except when they play GT. I do so because I respect the University and what it means to the State of Georgia. I also find it very amusing to read the comments of UGA fans on the UGA blogs. Some are very well said and supportive of the program as they should be. However, I do not understand why some UGA fans are so fickle. It seems to me like they expect the team to win every game they play which will not happen. I am pulling for them to beat Alabama and I believe they will if they play up to their capability. If they do happen to lose, I hope some of their fans will not go back to the same old ways of throwing CMR and the team down like they did after the SC loss.
Tiana Rae
November 27th, 2012
6:41 am
Crimson Tide 49, Leghumpers 10
A massive tidal wave sweeps the pretenders away before the first quarter is over.
The Plain Truth
November 27th, 2012
6:46 am
Two ways to build winning teams:
1. Hire 1st rate coaches and recruit players with talent and character (example: Alabama).
2. Hire 3rd rate wannabe coaches and recruit low class trash, then schedule a lot of crap teams (example: Georgia).
Method #1 works. Method #2 gets you a decent W-L record, but no championships.
Saban Never Sleeps
November 27th, 2012
7:27 am
Disrepect and envy by Bradley and the uga fans duly noted. See you saturday.
BigDawg
November 27th, 2012
7:27 am
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
The University of Georgia and most of us Dawg fans only recognize 2 Mythical National Championships 1942 when they split the MNC with Ohio State and of course 1980 when they were consensus National Champions, Georgia was voted number #1 in at least 1 poll in 3 other seasons 1927, 1946* (only undefeated/untied team) and 1968 though and that is where some fans get the 5 MNCs from. Just like Tech who claims 6 MNCs but when you examine more closely they in fact were named # 1 in at least 1 poll 6 times with 2 of those being Unanimous MNCs and 1 Consensus MNC, 1 Split MNC (1991) and then 2 in the same category as Georgia’s other 3. Until these things are decided on the field in a playoff as the other divisions of College football do it is highly subjective in some years and can be argued as to who was the best team for that year i.e. Auburn 2004, Georgia 1946, 2007 etc. Anyways it keeps us fans interested and talking back and forth about who was better.
Go Dawgs
Matchup: Alabama’s rushing offense vs. Georgia’s rushing defense | UGA sports blog
November 27th, 2012
7:32 am
[...] Mark Bradley column: UGA isn’t just facing a team — it’s facing the Alabama aura [...]
Bruce
November 27th, 2012
7:39 am
Funny you didn’t mention Alabama was on Georgia’s schedule last year until UGA “volunteered” (Thanksgiving 2011) to play Mizzou instead and drop Alabama. Georgia was “kind” enough to even avoid Texas A&M to play a weaker (over inflated) MIzzou. That was alll done to avoid a reg season battle with a team (a National Championship Team) that at the very least, takes some of the wind out of you during the season….much moreso than Ga. Southern or MIzzou.
Jimmy Crack
November 27th, 2012
7:41 am
Nuff said!
DawgSinceBirth
November 27th, 2012
7:43 am
1942 and 1980 were “consensus “National Titles…They were also recognized as National Champions in 1927, 1946, and 1968….
Go Dawgs!!!!!!
GT
November 27th, 2012
7:51 am
Alabama has come a long ways since they threw the brick into Curry’s office when he was coach there. If Nick Saban had failed with the money he took to come there they would have hung him rightfully so on the courthouse steps. Saban has been one of the very few who showed up for the money and produced. The man has guts. As for Richt until he wins this kind of game he is the leader in the clubhouse of a second rate division. Richt’s defining moment is Saturday, Saban has had his already.
Larry
November 27th, 2012
8:13 am
Looking at the picture above, does Saban officially quailfy as a midget?
MC
November 27th, 2012
8:13 am
Bruce funny you know so little about scheduling that you don’t know the league made that change with no input whatsoever from UGA. Teams only have a say in their out of conference scheduling.
MC
November 27th, 2012
8:18 am
GT you should be embarrassed to even open your mouth in this blog. Except for Auburn GT might just be the most screwed up, hopeless program in America.
Columbus Dawg
November 27th, 2012
8:27 am
Speaking of “short people”, the comments made by Jordan Jenkins about Saban being short had me LMAO!!!!! Someone told me this story a while back, supposedly true, it is said that when Saban came to coach Alabama, he was asked to do a promotion for Dr. Pepper that would include a large cardboard cut-out of Saban, Houston Nutt, (then at Arky), and Tubberville from Auburn, to be used as displays at grocery stores. Saban would agree to do it only if he were made to look as tall as the other two coaches on the display. Now that’s funny, I don’t care who you are!
Stiffneck
November 27th, 2012
8:37 am
ESPN is saying Georgia is just not that good. Fine. On Saturday it’s time to shut the ESPN corn hole. Go Dawgs!.
Matchup: Alabama’s rushing offense vs. Georgia’s rushing defense
November 27th, 2012
8:45 am
[...] Mark Bradley column: UGA isn’t only confronting a group — it’s confronting a Alabama aura [...]
Larry
November 27th, 2012
8:54 am
Columbus Dawg,
Even funnier, Saban is a true 5′6″ but it is well documented that he always wears the highest possible shoe inserts, 3 inches, to appear taller (5′9″).
I guess one’s anatomical shortness breeds inadequacy and thus a great motivator.
What they’re saying in Georgia about Alabama’s SEC Championship Game opponent (Tuesday links) – Alabama – Crimson Tide News
November 27th, 2012
9:09 am
[...] AJC.com, the website of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:* UGA isn’t just playing a team — it’s facing the Alabama aura* Bowl options not great for SEC Championship Game loser* Georgia-Alabama history on the gridiron* [...]
Heat Check: Destiny’s ‘Dogs? Bowl-less Jackets? | Mark Bradley
November 27th, 2012
9:10 am
[...] Saturday. Barometric reading: Three weeks ago, people were saying the Bulldogs would have no chance against the mighty Tide. A lot of those same people seem to have changed their minds, and I’m not just talking about [...]
BigJohn767
November 27th, 2012
9:19 am
UGA lost to SC because they weren’t focused. Both sides of the ball played like they were in a daze. It was a wake-up call for UGA. They realized that you cannot just walk through a game in this league no matter how talented you are. Since then they have come together as a force to be reckoned with. Alabama had the same experience against A&M just not as bad. They know they can be beat so they will prepare for the coming battle with everything they have.
War in Atlanta between two very talented teams who deserve to be where they are. I want to see the Dawgs win but it will be a battle. Whoever wins the SEC will dominate the Irish. Go DAWGS!
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 27th, 2012
9:23 am
Larry and Columbus….Nick had more NC trophies than IGA has in the past 75 years. 1980 sport and that is all you have….talk about Short…suck it sport
DogPlus
November 27th, 2012
9:23 am
Georgia by 10—alabama’s overrated–their D is nothing like last year. Gurley and Marshall will run wild and Murray will light up their secondary. GA v. ND–BCS title!!!
WDE
November 27th, 2012
9:28 am
Lets see can UGA win after a loss to SC and a so-so effort vs UK…well we beat a UF team that beat A&M and LSU by just out muscling them with power football and LSU should have beaten Bama as they out muscled the Tide….and folks we beat up UF on the field that day. We were the stronger and harder bunch…IF we can duplicate that effort Saturday we can beat the Tide. That is why we play to find out Bama is a heck of a football team and it is an honor to play them for the SEC title. Go Dogs!
kingdaddy
November 27th, 2012
9:29 am
One of the best things we have going for us is Bama’s aura, lol. A&M proved arua don’t win shiz…
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 27th, 2012
9:33 am
Yep sounds about right. You folks like the players keep running your mouth for that is the best thing you do at Georgieee. Heck even a blind squirrel finds a acorn every now and then. 1980.
Iluvnutella
November 27th, 2012
9:33 am
Hate to say it, it turns my stomach, but I hope you guys crush Coach Oversign Saturday. We can partially thank Saban for our sorry defense since he signs most of our target D-line recruits away. I looked back and have counted six over the past 4 years. Of course, i would want to play for Saban all day long and twice on Sunday as compared to Fish-fry.
DawginLex
November 27th, 2012
9:34 am
The Plain Truth
November 27th, 2012
6:46 am
Two ways to build winning teams:
1. Hire 1st rate coaches and recruit players with talent and character (example: Alabama).
2. Hire 3rd rate wannabe coaches and recruit low class trash, then schedule a lot of crap teams (example: Georgia).
Method #1 works. Method #2 gets you a decent W-L record, but no championships.
****************************************
Two ways to get a girl to talk to you, go out wiht you and marry you.
1.)Have class, get educated and treat her like a lady and not be a nerd.
2.)Act like an idiot, say stupid stuff over and over trying to be funny.
#1 works
#2 doesn’t and describes why YOU can’t get a girl to look at you and you are forced to date blow up dolls
Dawgingatorville
November 27th, 2012
9:34 am
Donnan, I believe UGA can claim 2 national titles in reality and that is all I ever see them claiming. I have not seen them claim 5 as you say.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 27th, 2012
9:35 am
and Richie boy is signing 35 this year due to why? No way it could be due to the thugs he signed in years past right?