The Crimson White spoke with CBSSports.com national college football writer Dennis Dodd to
get his thoughts on the upcoming SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia.
Crimson White: The two quarterbacks, Georgia’s Aaron Murray and Alabama’s AJ McCarron, are both very efficient, with Murray having the better statistics and McCarron having the championship. Who has the edge there?
Dennis Dodd: It’s really hard to separate them in this game because they both have injuries at receiver. The Kenny Bell (broken leg) thing is huge for McCarron, depth wise and home run threat wise. Amari Cooper is really developing and I think he’ll be a pro, but this gives Georgia the chance to lock him down if they can. I think the advantage goes with McCarron, because I think Alabama is more likely to flush Murray out of the pocket and he doesn’t do well side to side.
CW: Speaking of receivers, I’m sure you saw the reporters of Saban taking the redshirt off of Chris Black. Is it worth it this late in the season or is this just desperation?
DD: I know what his reputation is, but there has to be some desperation there if they’re bringing him out of the redshirt this late in the season. The kids probably going to play so I have to think that Kenny Bell’s injury is bigger than anybody thought if they’re doing this.
CW: How good is Jarvis Jones and how will Alabama try to neutralize his pass rush?
DD: He can rush you any kind of way, especially on passing downs. Alabama is going to try to disguise what they do so they’re not in second or third and long. He’s a game changer. Alabama doesn’t have that guy, it’s a very good defense, but Alabama doesn’t have the glamour guy that can collapse or create. He only has to do it once and they’re going to have to account for him the entire game.
CW: Who do you give the edge to in this one?
DD: It’s hard for me to get away from Alabama, but it’s a seven point spread and I think it’s a field goal game. I think it’s going to go right down to the wire. Alabama’s shown some weaknesses and I think Georgia is hungry is heck. There’s a lot of pride on the line for Georgia, but I’m sticking with Alabama.
