Kirby Smart predicts deciding factor in SEC title game vs Alabama

Kirby Smart provided some insight into what he believes will be the deciding factor in Saturday’s SEC title game.

When Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, it’ll be another chapter in the rivalry between the best of the SEC over the last couple of seasons. It’s always come down to the small details, and that’s what Smart is expecting in Atlanta.

“Who handles those momentum swings, and the line-of-scrimmage,” Smart revealed, asked what the deciding factor in Saturday’s game will be during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay. “I’d like to say explosive plays. Both of us, when you look at explosive plays, the guy that’s won the explosive plays has usually won the game, that’s a big indicator.

“But who manages those momentum swings better may be the one who sticks it out.”

Alas, Georgia has been able to handle both of those things on their way to back-to-back national titles. The Bulldogs have a chance to make history this season, and with the Crimson Tide standing in their way, we’ll see if Kirby Smart and company can survive and advance beyond Alabama.

Paul Finebaum: Better chance the SEC sends two teams to the College Football Playoff than none

Paul Finebaum had some strong thoughts on the argument of two SEC teams in the College Football Playoff versus none if Alabama beats Georgia on Saturday.

The conundrum could become a reality if that result comes to fruition during the SEC title game. During a hit on ESPN’s Get Up, Finebaum made his point as to why it would be absurd for the SEC to miss the College Football Playoff entirely, and why it’s more likely the conference has two teams make it in.

“I think it’s better that they get 2. I don’t think that’ll happen, but I think the odds that the SEC gets shutout are just insane,” Finebaum put it emphatically. “I know people around the country are going, ‘Come on, how many times do we have to hear this from the South?’ But I live this everyday of the week. I know the difference in the SEC. … We just have to quit thinking like groups and this institutionalism, and put in the four best teams. 

“I know they never do, but I’m going to keep asking for it.”

Time will tell what side of the coin the SEC lands on, but we’re ever so close to finding out which teams are in the College Football Playoff. It’s going to be a fun weekend.