The College Football National Championship is Fromm vs Hurts
Alabama or Georgia takes home the College Football National Championship trophy Monday night. The players with the most to say about which team loads the trophy on the bus are Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts and Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm.
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Jalen Hurts and Jake Fromm will not be on the field at the same time Monday night during the College Football National Championship game. But make no mistake – it will be Fromm vs Hurts. The difference in how Alabama and Georgia compete is at quarterback.
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Statistical comparison
Fromm has thrown over 100 fewer passes than Hurts, but for more yards and touchdowns. Fromm’s quarterback rating is 166.4, Hurts 155.1. On the other hand, Fromm has rushed only 98 times for 94 yards, and Hurts has rushed 148 times for 808 yards.
The Auburn comparison
Georgia and Alabama both played Auburn on the road and lost ugly. Both quarterbacks played sub par games, but neither threw an interception. Georgia and Fromm came back to beat Auburn in the SEC Championship game. With the opportunity of a re-match on a neutral field, likely Alabama would have also.
Aside from their matriculation date, there seems to be no clear advantage for Fromm or Hurts in the College Football National Championship . There is, however, a huge difference in how they win games.
Superpowers comparison
Hurts augments the Alabama offense by transforming into the second or third tailback in the formation. He is elusive, fast, and versatile. But his running ability does more than eat up yards.
Hurts quarterback superpower is the exceptional threat he poses with the ball under his arm, enhancing the Tide passing game by creating large throwing windows.
In contrast, Fromm is an extremely accurate passer that exploits the unique gifts of each Bulldog receiver. He commands the attention of linebackers and defensive backs with his arm, making galloping space for the stable for Georgia ball carrying horses. But Fromm does more than challenge a defense with his arm.
Fromm’s quarterback superpower is the exceptional ability to read defenses at the line of scrimmage and call the best play. Fromm transforms into multiple blockers by mentally removing defenders from the path of the Georgia running backs. He does this quickly and with confidence, and his teammates respond with aggressive play. He gives himself an advantage passing the ball by choosing his potential targets early. The ball comes out quick, and as mentioned, he is exceptionally accurate.
Advantage Alabama
Two great quarterbacks leading two great teams to within 60 minutes of a College Football National Championship, but the Alabama offense, combined with its defense, has demonstrated one advantage over the Bulldogs that Jake Fromm must counter.
Alabama ranks number 7 nationally in turnover margin. Georgia ranks 35.
Alabama ranks 54 and Georgia 57 in takeaways per game. However, Alabama ranks 27 in interceptions, Georgia 62. Alabama leads the country in fewest interceptions thrown per game with .2. Georgia ranks 21st with .5.
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Turnover margin is the most consistent predictor of wins and losses in college football. Alabama’s biggest advantage is Jalen Hurts ability to protect the football. If Jake Fromm can also protect the football and erase that advantage, Georgia will beat Alabama.
