Alabama championship 'title belt' draws eyes during Cotton Bowl
Alabama’s sideline tradition of giving their “championship title belt” to players after a big play drew attention during the Cotton Bowl. The “ball-out” belt is a tradition for the Alabama sideline, where after a player makes a big play during the game they are given the belt to wear. Fans watching the game broadcast noticed the belt on the sideline and wondered if it was related to the new WWE marketed belts for the SEC.
The WWE recently partnered with the SEC to sell SEC-branded championship belts. The title belts are emblazoned with the WWE logo in the center, with the SEC logo on either side of it. Former WWE wrestler Goldberg showed off the SEC-branded belt on ESPN’s College Gameday during a guest appearance where he picked Georgia to beat Michigan in their semifinal matchup.
Alabama’s championship belt tradition
While the new WWE belts are sure to become a big deal among SEC fans and players, Alabama’s Ball-Out Belt has been a team tradition that first appeared in 2015. The belt was given to players who created turnovers, similar to Miami’s famous turnover chain tradition.
According to Alabama’s players when the belt made its debut, the belt was actually an idea by the coaching staff to help increase their turnover numbers. By giving the players who make the biggest plays an extra chance to show off, it became a highly competitive contest within the game to “earn” the belt.
Goldberg picks Georgia in Orange Bowl
The famed former WWE wrestler Goldberg was the guest picker on Friday’s College Gameday, and to no real surprise he picked his alma mater to win the Orange Bowl over Michigan. Goldberg played defensive lineman for the Bulldogs before getting drafted into the NFL with the 301st overall pick.
Goldberg’s loyalty to his school might not be the only reason he picked Georgia over Michigan, but it made for a memorable moment on the broadcast. While Lee Corso wore the Bulldogs’ mascot over his head beside him, Goldberg lifted up an SEC championship title belt to declare the conference champs over the Big Ten.
The Bulldogs will take on the Wolverines following the conclusion of Alabama’s game with Cincinnati on Friday. If Alabama maintains their third quarter lead of 17-6, Georgia will be one win away from a rematch of the SEC Championship game.7