In early December, Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide once again ripped out Georgia’s heart in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs and Kirby Smart couldn’t exorcise their demons back then, but they turned things around in the National Championship Game. Georgia’s resilience and effort looked completely different than it did in the SEC Championship, and the Bulldogs pulled away from Alabama in the fourth quarter.
Let’s recap the game’s outcome, applaud the top performers, examine the 2022 NFL Draft prospects who saw action, and look forward to next year’s championship.
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The Outcome
The Bulldogs topped Alabama 33-18 behind a dominant fourth quarter where they outscored the Crimson Tide 20-9. Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young only led Alabama to the end zone once. Alabama settled for four field goals throughout the game. They had a fifth attempt blocked and failed to convert a two-point in the fourth quarter.
Georgia scored four touchdowns, including a Kelee Ringo pick-six that sealed the win. Stetson Bennett battled through a costly fumble and some penalties to toss two touchdowns. Zamir White also contributed, punching in score shortly after a 67-yard James Cook run.
The 15-point margin of victory was the smallest in a National Championship Game since Alabama beat Georgia 26-23 four years ago.
The Georgia Bulldogs are your new National Champions.
National Championship Standouts
The reigning national champs had several players standout during their win. George Pickens only made one reception for 52-yards, but the 6’3″ receiver flashed why some analysts view him as a top 50 prospect. That big play unlocked Georgia’s offense for the rest of the game.
Jamaree Salyer started the night at left tackle for 20 snaps, but he eventually shifted the right guard for 40 snaps. He allowed one pressure on a night where Georgia’s blockers allowed 11 total.
Cornerback Derion Kendrick didn’t allow a reception during 63 reps in pass coverage. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Jalen Carter applied six pressures and
blocked a field goal.
Before continuing with the National Championship Game recap, let’s check out the upcoming football games.
Alabama had its fair share of stars perform well in the title game. Linebacker Christian Harris made four tackles for loss and three sacks while freshman Dallas Turner recorded two sacks.
With John Metchie III and Jameson Williams out of the game, junior tight end
Cameron Latu
stepped up. He made five receptions on seven targets for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Top 2022 NFL Draft Prospects
Georgia’s Prospects
The National Championship Game featured up to 28 of the
top 300 prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, including five top 100 players for Alabama and eight for Georgia. It’s impossible to recap all of the prospects who took the field Monday night, but I’ll give a brief overview of the top stars.
Everyone knows Georgia’s behemoth Jordan Davis, but linebacker Nakobe Dean is the program’s top prospect. At 6’0″, 225 lb., Dean lacks the size to stack offensive linemen. However, he’s a beast in space and is a perfect fit for modern NFL defenses looking to neutralize the passing game.
Dean only allowed 59 receiving yards and no touchdowns on 281 coverage snaps heading into the title game. To put that in perspective, Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons allowed 237 yards and two touchdowns on 391 coverage snaps in his final collegiate season.
Dean is a future first-round selection. Davis could join him in the top 32 selections. The 6’6″, 340 lb. senior is an elite run stopper capable of swallowing two blockers consistently. However, he’s not a viable option in the pass rush and tires out quickly when left on the field. Davis is likely a two-down nose tackle at the next level.
Georgia’s other top 100 prospects include Lewis Cine, Derion Kendrick, George Pickens, Jamaree Salyer, Travon Walker, and Devonte Wyatt.
Alabama’s Prospects
Alabama’s Jordan Battle, Evan Neal, and Jameson Williams have first-round potential. Safeties rarely go in the top 32 picks, so Battle could fall to the top of the second-round. He’s a versatile 6’1″, 210 lb. strong safety with over 250 snaps in the box, slot, and free safety roles this season.
Neal is the traditional Alabama powerhouse offensive lineman, packing 350 lbs. into a 6’7″ frame. He’s fleet of foot for someone his size and projects well in a run-heavy offense that allows one-on-one vertical blocking.
Williams could be the first wide receiver off the board. The Ohio State transfer has electric speed combined with above-average shiftiness. He’s not as dynamic as Jaylen Waddle (sixth overall pick in 2021) but poses a greater threat on deep shots.
Alabama’s other top prospects include Christian Harris, Phidarian Mathis, John Metchie III (injured), and Henry To’oTo’o.
Bryce Young returns to Alabama for the 2023 season.
Predicting 2023 Champions
All of the top teams this season expect to lose roughly ten starters or contributors to the NFL. However, several programs have outstanding returning underclassmen who could decide the 2023 National Championship Game.
Alabama and Ohio State have some of the most notable returning stars. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud were Heisman Trophy finalists this year. Those quarterbacks make their teams title contenders immediately, but Stroud also keeps three crucial playmakers.
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Star sophomore receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. He was better than Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson this season, and those two are projected first-round picks. Freshman TreVeyon Henderson and redshirt freshman back Miyan Williams are also returning.
Saban’s program returns several future NFL players outside of Young. Outstanding edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. received the third-most first-place votes in the Heisman Trophy race this year. Sophomore defensive back Brian Branch and freshman edge rusher Dallas Turner also seem primed for bright futures.
The Bulldogs should remain competitive in 2022, but their lack of returning talent outside of Brock Bowers puts significant pressure on the underclassmen. Alabama and Ohio State have clearer paths to the playoff next season.
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