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College Football Playoff: Georgia vs Alabama Magic 8-ball prediction

By Richard Gnann

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Nick Saban of the College Football Playoff bound Alabama Crimson Tide looks on (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Nick Saban of the College Football Playoff bound Alabama Crimson Tide looks on (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Lorenzo Carter of the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 01: Lorenzo Carter of the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff Semifinal Game. /

Special teams in the College Football Playoff

The kicking game was huge in the close Georgia win over Oklahoma.

In the semi-final games, Georgia’s Rodrigo Blankenship and Oklahoma’s Austin Seibert both missed a field goal and made two. Otherwise, the Dawgs outclassed Oklahoma in every special team category.

The Dawgs also made two game changing plays on special teams. Lorenzo Carter blocked a field goal in overtime to make Sony Michel’s touchdown dash the game winner. Also, Tae Crowder’s mid-air grab of a squib kick with less than 10 seconds left in the first half  lead to Blankenship’s Rose Bowl record 55 yard field goal. The two special teams plays swung the outcome in Georgia’s favor.

the Dawgs outclassed Oklahoma in every special team category

On the other side of the bracket, Clemson and Alabama performed equally ordinary in the kicking game.

Magic 8 Ball, could Georgia’s kicking game make a difference for the Dogs?

Magic 8 Ball: Cannot predict now.

Special teams in the  regular season

Georgia’s Cameron Nizialek ranks number eight nationally in average yards per punt. The Tide punter J K Scott ranks forty-eighth.

Also, Georgia’s Mecole Hardman ranks number 11 nationally in both punt and kickoff returns. Alabama ranks outside the top 50 in both.

Considering also the regular season special team statistics, does Georgia have a difference making edge?

Magic 8 Ball says: signs point to yes.

Turnovers

Turnover ratio consistently predicts victory and loss in college football. A one turnover advantage doubles any team’s chances of winning.  Alabama ranks number 10 nationally in turnover ratio, and Clemson ranks number 46. The outcome of the Tide and Tigers semi-final reflected this difference. Georgia ranks tied for 33 nationally with Oklahoma, and the game remained tied at the end of regulation.

Magic 8 Ball, is it possible turnovers will decide the outcome of the College Football Playoff championship game?

Magic 8 Ball says: are you still asking this question?

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