SPORTS GROUCH

Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs must be wondering what it will take to beat Alabama.

Last year, the Dogs played their hearts out in the national title game, clearly outplayed Alabama most of the game, and lost in the closing minute as Alabama’s backup quarterback threw for a touchdown to win. Georgia had its chance to avenge that national title loss in last Saturday’s game for the SEC title.

The bookies and their clients must not have thought Georgia had a chance. The betting line stood at 13.5 points favoring Alabama.

The Crimson Tide have looked like the Dutch Fork of college football, scoring 50 or more points a game and holding opponents to less than 15 points.

What were the odds

Alabama has one of the strongest defensive teams in college football. Its fearsome defensive line and linebackers are sack experts. Its offensive line is no slouch, either. And last year’s backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is this year’s starter and a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. The prognosticators figured Alabama’s offensive line has to protect Tagovailoa, who has been playing with a knee sprain. Georgia can blitz quarterbacks and tackle runners for loss as they proved at Williams-Brice Stadium against South Carolina earlier this season. Georgia excels at limiting explosive passing plays and could force Alabama into long, patient drives. And Georgia held an edge with special teams, too. But this was the first time Alabama was a 2-touchdown favorite over Georgia. Nick Saban’s Alabama teams are only 3-3 against the betting line in SEC championship games.

The Dogs go for blood

From the start, Georgia looked like the better team. Their offense scored first and their defense held Alabama out of the end zone the entire first quarter. Georgia was ahead 7 points at the half. The smart money was starting to get worried. Georgia missed a field goal but was ahead 2 scores going into the 4th quarter. Tagovailoa limped out of the game and last year’s starter Jalen Hurts came in to work Crimson Tide magic, scoring the final TD on a keeper. To its credit, Georgia did not give up. It was running out of time and yards when it failed to convert a 4th down for a 1st down and the game ended. Just like last year, Georgia had played magnificently. Alabama again showed it seems always to have a will and a way to win.

The Sports Grouch and his boss welcome email at ChronicleSports@yahoo.com.