"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"
The saying is often attributed to Albert Einstein, but whether he actually said it is unconfirmed. After conducting my own due diligence via Google.com, Quote Investigator says a 1981 Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that took place in Knoxville, Tennessee is the first time the quote was documented. Probably a more fitting origin story for the purposes of this blog, so I'm going to assume it's true. But, I digress.
I tried to bail on the trip to Indianapolis for the national championship. After another loss to Alabama in the 2021 SEC Championship, I was beyond jaded. The SEC Championship was the 4th UGA-Alabama showdown that I had attended in person, and the Dawgs were 0-4 in the previous games. Did I really want to make it 0-5 while witnessing another national championship loss to Nick Satan? Seemed like going to the game would be a classic case of doing the same thing over while expecting a different outcome. During the post-game celebration at the Dawg House after beating Michigan in the Orange Bowl, I tried to talk our friends Ben and Brittany out of going to Indy. Resistance was futile, and it was decided.
I don't need to talk about what a wild emotional roller coaster the game was. Up until the very end, I was certain we would find a way to lose. But, after all the gut wrenching losses over the years, we finally did it. I always thought I would cry if we ever reached the promised land. I couldn't, which is probably confirmation that I am dead inside (likely a result of the many disappointments in the past). Was it worth it? Hell yes, ROLL TEARS PAWWWWL!! I have seen a lot of 2nd & 26 shirts since 2017, so I can't wait to print my 33-18 shirts, stay tuned.
This is going to come across as petty. However, because I have seen a lot of excuses from the Alabama faithful floating around since January, I will provide a list of excuses for why Alabama did not deserve to win any of its previous national championship games.
2010 BCS National Championship Game: Alabama's first title under Nick Saban. Texas quarterback Colt Mccoy was knocked out of the game on Texas' first drive with a shoulder injury. One could argue that quarterback is the most critical position on the field. Just saying.
2012 BCS National Championship Game: In the pre-playoff era, Alabama was given the chance to avenge a regular season loss to LSU in the national championship game. Was this a BCS conspiracy to keep Oklahoma-State and Mike Gundy from playing at the highest stage? Some are saying it was.....
2013 BCS National Championship Game: We all know what happened with Manti Te'o before this game, and he clearly was not the same player in this matchup.
2016 BCS National Championship Game: One of Clemson's top coverage cornerbacks, Mackensie Alexander was injured in the 2nd quarter of the game and did not return.
2018 CFP National Championship Game: See below.
2020 CFP National Championship Game: Ohio State Justin Fields played this game with broken ribs, and was among several star Buckeyes players that were injured or out with COVID including defensive tackles, starting kicker, and backup RB.
And now, enjoy a photo collage from that magical evening:
I leave you with our friend AO kissing the ring!! Bet he didn't show Stetson the #FreeJT coozie that was in his pocket. Snakes in the grass!
Quick thoughts on Oregon
Mario Cristobal did a very good job of recruiting in his short tenure at Oregon. The Ducks are ranked 7th overall in the 247 Sports College Football Team Talent Composite.
In his final 2022 preseason SP+ rankings, Bill Connelly has Oregon ranked 24th overall (19th on offense and 36th on defense).
Former Auburn quarterback Bo Nix transferred to Oregon in the off-season, and is expected to be the starter. This will be the best OL that Nix has played behind. Last year, the Auburn OL was horrible, and Nix should have much better protection led by Guard T.J. Bass and Center Alex Forsyth. Both players were named to the 2022 Outland Trophy Preseason Watchlist, an award which recognizes the nation's most outstanding interior linemen. Our guy Jordan Davis won the award in 2021.
Oregon also added Western Kentucky transfer RB Noah Whittington, and he will team up with Byron Cardwell and Mar'Keise Irving in the backfield. I expect new Oregon HC Dan Lanning and OC Kenny Dilingham to get creative in the running game and attack a highly talented but inexperienced front 7 for the Junkyard Dawgs. The leading returning WR for Oregon is Kris Hutson, and while the Ducks have a pair of highly rated WR in Dont'e Thornton and Troy Franklin, so far they remain unproven. I expect Oregon will stick to its strengths and rely on its running game.
Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith are the experienced veterans, but the Georgia front 7 will need some of the younger and unproven players to make bigger contributions. On the DL, Zion Logue has received the most preseason hype as a potential breakout player. Redshirt freshman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and highly rated true freshmen Mykell Williams are also waiting for an opportunity. As long as co-DC Glenn Schumann is on the UGA staff, ILB play will not be an issue and Smael Mondon, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and Trezmen Marshall are next in-line at the position.
Dan Lanning will be thrilled with the talent left behind by Cristobal in the front 7. If you recall, Georgia was heavily involved in the recruitment of a pair of freakshow Oregon LBs, Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe. Although Flowe has dealt with consecutive season-ending injuries, both have breakout potential. Defensive end Brandon Dorlus joins Sewell among the 85 players in the country named to the 2022 Bronko Nagurski Preseason Watch List.
This week we have a special guest prediction from our Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Kritesh Patel. Dawgs win 45-27. Good teams win, Elite teams cover.
Go Dawgs!
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