Event of the Day: Georgia versus Alabama

Our event of the day is the College Football Playoff National Championship clash between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This post-season game of college football will decide the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Georgia have four wins in a row, including a thrilling 54-48 triumph in the Rose Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners on New year’s Day, after two overtimes. Alabama won the Sugar Bowl, 24-6 against the Clemson Tigers, their rivals in two previous CFP National Championships – the Crimson Tide won it in 2016, the Tigers in 2017. 

Both sides come from the Southeastern Conference – Georgia won the East Division, whilst Alabama were runners up in the West Division. From their previous matches, the Bulldogs have 25 wins, the Crimson Tide have won 38, and there have been four ties. Alabama were victorious in the last three meetings, all as visitors, in 2008, 2012 and 2015; and are favourites ahead of the showdown. It will be interesting to see if Georgia head coach Kirby Smart can beat his mentor on the other side, Alabama’s Nick Saban, who has never lost to one of his former assistants in eleven games. Bulldog’s main strengths are running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb who combined for 326 rushing yards against Oklahoma, while the Crimson Tide are lead by impressive quarterback Jalen Hurst who recorded just one interception in the season. It’s going to be an exciting clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the fifth and final day of the 5th Test of the 2017-18 Ashes series between Australia and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. England trail by 210 runs with six wickets remaining in the 2nd innings. It’s Day 4 of the 1st Test of the Freedom Trophy series between South Africa and India at Newlands in Cape Town. In the Big Bash League, the Hobart Hurricanes face the Sydney Sixers at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart, while the Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Renegades at the WACA in Perth. In the FA Cup, Brighton take on Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium in Brighton. It’s Day 2 of the Sydney International at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre; as well as the opening day of the ATP Auckland Open for men at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland. In the NBA, the Indiana Pacers take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. In the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs go up against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by UGA Athletics; Alabama FBL