The 2021-22 College Football season comes to a close Jan. 10, and for the first time since the College Football Playoff started in 2014, the championship game is in Indianapolis, Ind. Alabama (13-1) will take the field against Georgia (13-1) in a rematch of the 2018 College Football National Championship, where the Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 26-23 in overtime. Our sports staff gave their predictions for the title game.
Charleston Bowles
Although Alabama and Georgia have talent on both sides of the ball, I lean towards the Crimson Tide as my choice to win the national championship. I believe in postseason games, the offense with the best and most trustworthy quarterback will win. The Bulldogs defense has playmakers along the front seven and in the secondary, but I trust Alabama quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young will make the plays needed to give the Crimson Tide their second consecutive national championship. Final score: 28-24.
Corbin Hubert
I believe Alabama will win the national championship. Ever since Nick Saban took the head coaching position at Alabama in 2007, Georgia has not defeated the Crimson Tide. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has not convinced me the Bulldogs can stop the Alabama offense. Alabama quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young should have fun putting up big numbers while blowing out the Bulldogs. Final score: 45-21.
Daniel Kehn
I believe Georgia will win the national championship. In this rematch, Georgia will actually be playing for a title. In the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship Dec. 4, Georgia winning or losing did not affect its playoff chances and the game was blown off. However, on the biggest stage of the season, head coach Kirby Smart will put on a defensive masterclass and shut down Bryce Young and the Crimson Tide.
Derran Cobb
I think Alabama will win the national championship. Not only is the offense explosive, led by Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Bryce Young, but the defense is also a powerful force, having allowed only 218 yards in the Cotton Bowl Dec. 31 against Cincinnati. Also, Georgia has not beaten Alabama since 2008. Additionally, the Tide have arguably the greatest coach of all time in Nick Saban.
Kyle Smedley
I believe Alabama will win the national championship. In what should really be called the “SEC Bowl”, I can’t justify betting against the Crimson Tide. Backed by Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Bryce Young and the greatest college coach of the 21st century in Nick Saban, Alabama should beat Georgia in what will admittedly be a close game. Final score: 27-24.
Nate Grubb
I think Georgia will win the national championship for two reasons. First, it's very difficult to beat the same team twice in a season. Secondly, even though Alabama quarterback Bryce Young threw for 421 yards and three touchdowns against the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game, the Bulldogs defense is too good to count out. Additionally, Georgia should be energized and looking for revenge. Final score: 24-17.