Tough Hunt For Tigers
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
To steal a quote from The Office, “It’s like we’re touring Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and dropping off, one by one… Well, guess what? I’m not falling in a chocolate river.” The comment is made by Ed Helms’ character, Andy Bernard, in reference to the number of Bernard’s coworkers that have quit since the Stamford branch merged with Scranton.
However, when I came across that episode the other night, it automatically made me think of the LSU Tigers.
In recent weeks, leading up to the start of the college football season, LSU players having been diving head first into the chocolate river. The Tigers have lost two players to transfer and another three to indefinite suspensions.
Granted four of those players weren’t expected to make much of an impact this season- Ed Ingram being the one possible exception- but this is not the kind of publicity any team wants before the season starts.
So, what about the players LSU will actually put on the field this year? It’s kind of a wash, rinse, repeat situation. Their defense will be one of the league’s best; they have a new offensive coordinator that promises to open up the playbook and throw the ball downfield more; and they have a quarterback who they guarantee will be able to handle the passing game, even though there’s nothing in his past that should make you believe it. Sound at all familiar?
Like most SEC schools, the expectations are always high in Baton Rouge, but even those seem to be tempered somewhat this year.
While I’d be hesitant to put too much stock into their success this season based on the product they’re likely to put in the field, it’s their schedule that’s really daunting.
Things will change as the season begins and games are played but don’t be surprised if LSU winds up playing seven games against teams that will wind up spending time in the Top 25.
Besides the normal gauntlet of SEC West teams (Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State) they’ll face, their two opponents from the SEC East will be Georgia and Florida.
That’s like entering a three-point shooting contest against two other people, only to find out those two people happen to be Steph Curry and JJ Redick.
It’s not like they took it easy with their out of conference scheduling, either. They could’ve gone the route of other programs and had home games against teams like the College of Underwater Basket Weaving, and the University of Perpetual Sorrow.
Instead, they begin their season on a neutral site against the Miami Hurricanes, a team with legitimate playoff aspirations.
It may not bode well when it comes to their overall record, but you won’t be able to knock the level of competition the Tigers will be facing.
Speaking of their record, 1999 was the last time the LSU Tigers failed to win at least eight games. Not that it’s impossible, but I have a hard time seeing them reach that eight win plateau this year.
Every football season at LSU begins with the goal of winning the national championship; the proverbial “goose that lays gold eggs for Easter”, so to speak. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, as I believe every program should start the season with that goal in mind, even if it’s a bit unrealistic.
All I’m saying is don’t be surprised if three weeks into the season the Tigers remind you more of Veruca Salt’s ultimate fate than Charlie Bucket’s.
KIller Owls
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For Kennesaw State, it’s going to be hard to look past the first game of the season. The Owls take on the Georgia State Panthers at Turner Fie- I mean Georgia State Stadium. It’s FCS versus FBS and while that tends not to bode well for the FCS school, this is not the case. If you had to pick a game for an upset during the 2018 season, this might be the place to look.
The Panthers are rebuilding and Kennesaw’s high-powered offense reloaded, this could be a big game for the Owls.
But there are ten more games that will need to be played regardless of whether or not KSU can get one over on Georgia State, so let’s dive into what the team looks like.
For a team that is about to enter its fourth year of existence, Kennesaw State has made quite a statement. Last season they won 12 games and fell a touchdown and an extra point shy of reaching the FCS semifinals, in year three.
From that stellar team returns 18 starters, including Chandler Burks, who accounted for 27 touchdowns in 2017, as well as linebacker Bryson Armstrong, outside lineman C.J. Collins, wide receiver Justin Sumpter and linebacker Anthony Gore, just to name a few.
The Owls offense was the star of the show last year, with Kennesaw State possessing the ball for more than 33 minutes per game – good for 8th in the FCS.
They also had the best turnover margin in the country and ranked second in third-down conversions. But the real sexy number is 330, as in rushing yards per game. Six players on the squad rushed for at least 300 yards on the season in 2017 and all six of them are back for more in 2018.
The other side of the ball didn’t get as much love but Armstrong was the best freshman in the nation last year and led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, fumble recoveries, forced fumbles, and tackles. And the next two guys (who are back) had at least 50 each.
It also doesn’t hurt that Kennesaw’s top recruit, Markeith Montgomery, is a defensive back.
Needless to say, this still-fresh football program has already set the bar very high for itself. Expectations are in the stratosphere, with the Owls the heavy favorite to win the Big South Conference and are expected to compete for the FCS Championship at the end of the season.
They have continued to build upon each season, so making it to and even through the semifinals is the next logical step. The likes of James Madison University and North Dakota State University await them at the top of the heap. Not too shabby for a school without a football team in 2014.
That Georgia State game looms large and is the first time the Owls have put an FBS team on the schedule. While an upset would certainly make a huge statement, the Owls need to make sure that win or lose they keep their offense and defense firing on all cylinders as they move on to Alabama State and Samford in the early part of the season before a stretch of five Big South matchups in a row.
Those are the games that will end up being meaningful, regardless of the outcome of that showdown against the Panthers.
With so many of the key pieces returning and a (short) history of constant improvement, this is going be a fun season for Kennesaw State.
Frederica Wobbles Goliath
By: Rich Bontrager
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
What was billed “David vs. Goliath” game turned into an “Ali vs. Frazer” type blow-by-blow experience under the Oaks at Frederica Academy Friday night before a record crowd.
In Friday’s home opener Frederica welcomed Charlton County, a class A school, that brought with it almost double the 30 players that make up the entire Knights 2018 roster. Yet, with the numbers not in their favor, the Knights made a valiant effort in the 28-21 loss.
The first quarter got off to a slow start after a 30-minute lightning delay. However, the energy level and output of both teams jumped into high gear when JT Elliott of Frederica picked off a Raykwon Anderson’s pass attempt.
Eventually, that quarter would end 0-7 in favor of the Indians as they scored off of a broken play, 55-yard pass connection between Anderson and Seaquon Clark.
During the second quarter, each team’s defense showed their strength as it was a seesaw battle back and forth, with little movement. Finally, with 5:02 left to go before half-time, the Knights scored off of a 1-yard touchdown run by Senior QB Jaylin Simpson. The extra point was no good and the half-time clock ran down with Knights down 6-7 to the Indians.
The second half exploded with three consecutive touchdown scores off of three kickoff returns in a span of less than a minute and a half. First, Frederica’s Patrick Brunson (Sr) ran back a 95-yarder making it 14 -7. Charlton Country retaliated with an 80-yard return by Clark.
Senior running back and kick returner Isaiah Jackson then ran back yet another 85-yard kick-off return -the game up at 21 all. Which would be the score at the end of the third
quarter.
The fourth quarter resembled a heavyweight boxing match as each team exhibited signs of physical and emotional exhaustion as they gave their all in the intense heat and humidity.
Most of the fourth quarter featured each team’s defense standing firm. Finally, with under 3 minutes left in the game, Randy Nelson of Charlton County picked off a Knights pass and returned it for a TD.
After the epic battle, head Coach Brandon Derrick commented, “This game was intended to be a test and I believe my team passed it. We proved we can play at this level, and hold our own.”
Another take away from Coach Derrick was that “We stayed mentally tough in spite of a couple of turnovers.”
Next week the Knights will play at home again and face Valwood, the team that eliminated Frederica from advancing to the state championship game in Mercer last season.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. and, much like this game, it’s expected to be another battle of attrition.
Rough Launch For Pirates
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
On a rainy night in Douglas the Brunswick High Pirates fell to the Coffee Trojans 20-7 in the season opener for both schools.
The Pirates started out slow going down 13-0 with 9 minutes left in first quarter and then failed to cash in on a couple of scoring opportunities late in the half with a dropped TD pass and a missed FG on the last play of the half.
The Pirate run defense made some improvements in the second half. Coffee cashed in on a fumble and scored a touchdown to make it 20-0 early in the 4th quarter. Brunswick answered with a 10-yard TD pass from KJ Lee to Xavier Bean to make the final score 20-7.
Pirate Report Card.
Offense: C+. The offense moved the ball well most of the night. It was a wet night and the Pirates committed three turnovers and dropped a punt snap that resulted in two Coffee TD’s.
KJ Lee looked good for his first varsity start. Jaylen Trimmings looked very good running the football. The offensive line did a decent job against a championship caliber defense and Xavier Bean had his coming out party at WR. Che Foy looked good in space with football in his hands.
The Pirates need to clean up the drops as they dropped two TD passes. The penalties, turnovers and drops will get cleaned up with more game experience. This unit is going to be very good by the time region play starts.
Defense: C. Run defense needs to be cleaned up. The secondary did not play as well as I expected. I was proud of the effort on this side of the ball however. More game experience and an upcoming addition at middle linebacker will improve the run defense.
This group hung in there when things looked bad early. It was 13-0 before the BHS band took their seats; gutty effort to keep BHS in the game.
Special Teams: D. Poor snaps all night, dropped snap that led to a TD, and a missed 27-yard FG. Special teams will get better as last night was first live action for this group for the season.
Coaching: B. The team had a good game plan. Coaching made some good adjustments all night and the improvement from spring to first game against #2 ranked Coffee was significant.
Overall: C. A loss is a loss, but the young Pirates have good talent and good coaching.
The future is bright and this edition of the Pirates will be fine when region play starts.
Young Terrors Earning Stripes
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Red Terrors opened the 2018 season at home against Fort Dorchester from South Carolina. Fort Dorchester is a powerhouse program in the Palmetto State.
Glynn Academy came in with a very young team having lost 19 seniors. The Red Terrors found themselves down 28-7 early.
Glynn fought back and pulled within 31-21 before Fort Dorchester pulled away late and went on to win 36-21 over the Red Terrors.
Head Coach Rocky Hidalgo typically schedules tough games early in the season to test his team so the Terrors will be fire tested come playoff time. This was no different.
We can look for the Red Terrors to have some growing pains early on in the season with a young team.
Glynn will see Wayne, Ware, and Camden in the coming weeks, all non-region games. The Red Terrors will travel to Jesup, Waycross and Kingsland for those games, all consecutively.
However, before that the Red Terrors will host Washington High next week between the bricks at Glynn County Stadium.
Washington is a high that is rebuilding and should be a game the Red Terrors will be able to see their young talent play well.
Once Glynn get into region play they will see Richmond Hill, Brunswick High, Effingham and Bradwell. The Red Terrors are the favorite to win the region but need to see their young talent mature for that to happen.
After Washington High the Red Terrors will play Groves at home before starting with the aforementioned gauntlet with Wayne, Ware and Camden. Groves is another program that the Terrors should play well against.
Overall, a good effort by the Red Terrors to stay in the game against Fort Dorchester and get the game close. A lot of good things happened in the second half for the Red Terrors to build upon.
If this season goes the same way the previous few have under Rocky Hidalgo the Red Terrors will once again make a deep playoff run and will be a state title contender.
Bears With Bite?
By: Mike Anthony
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As Mercer enters its sixth season of play since reviving its football program in 2013, the biggest question is whether the Bears can get over the hump.
After bursting onto the scene with a 10-2 record in their first season back on the field, Mercer made the jump from the Pioneer League to the much more challenging Southern Conference. For the last four seasons, the Bears have shown their teeth at times, but have always settled near the middle of the pack.
Mercer has finished a combined total of 8-8 in league play over the last two seasons, but with plenty of question marks around the SoCon outside of prohibitive favorite Samford, 2018 seems to be the perfect time for the Bears to make a move.
As the season begins, the most dependable facet of the team remains its head coach.
Serving as the head Bear since the team’s return to competition, Bobby Lamb – formerly of Furman – has been a steadying force. He faced the steep task of starting a program from scratch and has quickly made the Bears a concern on any team’s schedule.
So, when it comes to 2018, the question remains the same as the last couple of years. Can the Bears take the next step?
To ask the SoCon media that question, you’ll get the same, tepid maybe? Mercer didn’t get a first-place vote in the preseason poll and is picked to finish fourth – right in the range of another 4-4 conference mark.
But the Bears have plenty of reasons to hope for more than that. First and foremost, in that optimism is the return of quarterback Kaelan Riley. Pressed into action as a redshirt freshman last season, Riley responded with over 2,000 yards of offense, including 13 touchdown passes and four more rushing touchdowns.
Riley will continue to lead the Bears’ shotgun, no-huddle attack that will be further balanced out by the return of 2017 leading rusher Tee Mitchell.
Experience across the board will be Mercer’s biggest offensive asset as Lamb’s years of guidance, Mitchell’s seniority, and Riley’s proven leadership will have the Bears confident in any situation.
The defensive side of things also hints at an upward trend for Mercer. The Bears allowed a respectable 23.4 points per game last season and return six of their eight leading tacklers from the 2017 squad.
Highlighting the returners on defense is Will Coneway who was involved on 66 tackles last season, with six of those tackles going for a loss and three fumbles forced.
Mercer should continue to put up workable offensive numbers each week. The Bears’ ultimate fate this season will lie in how well its defense can adjust and perform from week to week.
Pass-heavy Samford and run-heavy Furman are the favorites in the SoCon. Running down the preseason rankings, the conference is full of teams whose offensive attacks will force defensive coordinators to vary their schemes wildly from week to week.
With the Southern Conference strong enough to send two or three teams to the playoffs, this will be a barometer season for Mercer. The Bears have been and should continue to be playoff-caliber on certain Saturdays.
The next step is to keep it consistent through an entire season and clinch the Bears’ first FCS playoff appearance.
Return Of The Chomp?
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida is one of the premier jobs in the nation. They have a great recruiting base as well as tradition. For some reason the Gators have been struggling since Tim Tebow left campus after the 2009 season.
The Will Muschamp and Jim McElwain eras had some success but nothing consistent. They had a dismal 2017, finishing 4-7. A coaching change had to be made so McElwain was relieved of his duties. Florida had their eyes on Chip Kelly but he chose UCLA over the Gators.
Dan Mullen was named the head coach and I think was a great hire. Mullen coached at Mississippi State from 20009 – 2017 and he led the Bulldogs to a 69-46 record.
As you know, the SEC West is the much tougher division and Miss State does not attract top talent so that is impressive. Mullen also coached at Utah (03 – 04) and Florida (05 – 08) under Urban Meyer so he already understands the fan base.
Right now, Florida has discipline problems because it seems like a player is arrested every week. Freshman and four-star cornerback Justin Watkins was arrested for his second time in three months recently on a felony charge of strangulation. The team has suspended him. Last September nine players were arrested and faced felony charges for an alleged fraud ring.
Mullen is a good offensive coach but Florida has lacked talent on that side of the ball. His biggest challenge will be developing a quarterback. Redshirt sophomore and four-star recruit Feleipe Franks will likely win the starting job. He played in 6 games in 2017 and threw for 1,438 yards, 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Kyle Trask is also competing for the job.
“I watched Feleipe Franks throw the ball 75 yards against Tennessee. The last quarterback I saw that could throw the ball that far was Cam Newton,” Mullen said. “The last quarterback I coached that had that arm talent was Cam Newton.”
Last year’s recruiting class was ranked in the top 15 and featured 14 four-star recruits. There will be some talent arriving on campus this Fall. The highest rated recruit is wide receiver Jacob Copeland who was ranked 69th nationally.
I feel UF is about a year away from a breakout season but with their schedule, they will go back to a bowl. The first three games are all at home against Charleston Southern, Kentucky and Colorado State. These are all easy wins. Kentucky could possibly put up a fight; they only lost by one-point last year.
The next two games are on the road at Tennessee and Mississippi State. The game against the Vols should be a win. Miss State will be the first loss on the season.
October 6th is at the Swamp versus LSU. The Tigers will win this game. A much-needed trip to Nashville the following week will snap this two-game losing streak. Then the Gators head into the bye week before the showdown against Georgia.
I cannot see UGA losing this game. Barring injury, the Bulldogs should win this game handily.
UF has three more home games against Mizzou, South Carolina and Idaho. I think the only game in this stretch they will lose is against the Game Cocks.
The season finale is at Tallahassee against Florida State. The Seminoles also have a first-year head coach in Willie Taggart so we don’t know how good they will be. I’m going to give the edge to FSU for now but clearly that can change.
Florida should win 7-8 games in 2018 and set up a big 2019 season.
The Tiger’s Stripes
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Prior to the 2015 college football season, you could argue the perception of Clemson Tigers achievements was more hyperbole than anything.
Despite a raucous fan base, a fantastic tradition and reputation for being a big-time program they had only one Top 5 finish in school history; their championship season of 1981.
After three straights playoff appearances, two championship games and another National Championship the Tigers are finally cashing the checks their fans and reputation have been writing; and things don’t look to be slowing down.
Behind Alabama, Clemson has become one of the premier programs within college football. Last season, one that was considered to be somewhat of a rebuilding year, resulted in a 10-1 regular season record, an ACC Championship title and that third straight playoff appearance that I mentioned.
If you’re waiting for trend to be broken, don’t get your hopes up it will take place this season.
Clemson will be one of the deepest and most talented teams entering the 2018 campaign.
Normally people look at the offensive side of the ball in the same my wife looks at Chris Hemsworth when he’s shirtless in any Thor movie. In this particular case it’s Clemson’s defense that give football fans the googly eyes.
Usually, when people debate about whether or not a college team could actually compete with a professional one it’s completely ridiculous. It’s no so farfetched if you focus in on strictly Clemson’s defensive line.
The Tigers had three defensive linemen on last year’s squad- Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant-that would have been high draft picks had they entered the 2018 NFL Draft; none of them did. When you hear analysts talk about Clemson having an NFL defensive front, and trust me you will, it won’t be an exaggeration.
Include some of the returning players they have at linebacker and in the secondary and you’re looking at possibly the nation’s best defense.
Even if the Tigers defensive side of the ball is the stronger of the two, their offense won’t be any slouch, either. Kelly Bryant, who exceeded expectations last year, returns at quarterback, along with Trevor Lawrence who will almost certainly see time under center.
Much like Georgia’s situation with Fromm and Fields, it will be difficult for the Tigers to keep both of their young quarterbacks off the field.
Clemson also returns it’s top three running backs and a deep receiving core, including Hunter Renfrow, college’s version of Cris Carter; all he does is catch touchdowns.
Clemson’s schedule sets up nicely for a championship run, too. There’s always a chance for a slip-up against an inferior team but if they are able to avoid the bump in the road, their two biggest games will be back to back against NC State and Florida State, respectively.
The Wolfpack, a team that has caused the Tigers issues in the past, visit Death Valley, while Clemson travels to Tallahassee.
Top to bottom, Clemson may be the most complete team in the country and that’s including Alabama. Barring any major injury, or a widespread case of complacency, Clemson is almost a sure bet to make it to their fourth straight playoff appearance.
It’s taken decades for the production on the field to match the high expectations. Now that Clemson has finally arrived, I wouldn’t be looking for them to relinquish that elite status anytime soon. They certainly don’t seem to be slowing down.
Spurring To 2018
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It’s a little strange to consider that a team that won 9 games to 4 losses in 2017 had an underwhelming season but the South Carolina Gamecocks managed to pull off just such an unexpected feat last year.
Will Muschamp led a team that did not put up a lot of big point totals or make lots of flashy plays, which probably has a lot to do with it. Add that to a couple of surprising losses to Kentucky and to Texas A&M and there were a lot of people writing them off.
The question is, how will South Carolina follow up an underwhelming/pretty good season in 2018?
They will almost certainly be a better team on the field and they should be confident of that.
Deebo Samuel is a huge reason for that confidence. The wide receiver successes have been rightfully celebrated and he gives veteran quarterback Jake Bentley a target that other teams would love to have.
Breaking his leg after putting up 474 all-purpose yards and scoring 6 touchdowns last season postponed his coronation as possibly the best player in the SEC but if he can stay on the field in 2018 he has got a great chance of being crowned.
Speaking of offensive weapons with broken legs, Rico Dowdle should be healthy and running with the ball for the entire year as well, giving the Gamecocks yet another option to boost those scores.
On the other side of the ball, South Carolina needs to step up their game on the pass rush. Twenty-six sacks in 2017 will not cut it, though six of those sacks came from the returning D.J. Wonnum. If he can lead the other tackles and put more pressure on opposing QBs, then the secondary will benefit in a big way.
There is also the matter of the schedule, it can be taken advantage of. Georgia and Clemson loom large up ahead and will be looked at as major challenges for South Carolina. However, the rest of the reason looks favorable Muschamp and company.
Perhaps the biggest plus is the absence of LSU and Alabama. Luck of the draw, but it is still something they need to appreciate and make the most of.
Florida and Tennessee are usually powerhouses, but they look like they might continue their recent struggles in the near future.
Texas A&M is on the schedule again and the Gamecocks should be primed to take their revenge after being embarrassing defeated by the Aggies last year.
Another positive is that this team is already better than last year’s and there are still positional battles to be worked out.
Muschamp has called on his defensive line to step up this year and it is down to Keir Thomas or Kobe Smith to grab the bull by the horns at defensive tackle. Thomas has bulked up and Smith has two seasons’ worth of game under this belt, so there are good options here.
Jamyest Williams is competing with Jaylin Dickerson, with the latter returning from an injury. Tavyn Jackson is also in the mix here, moving from cornerback. Dickerson had the most notable spring and Williams could essentially trade slots with Jackson and go back to his natural position at cornerback. It remains to be seen how this one will shake out.
Tight end is another one to watch, with K.C. Crosby and Jacob August vying to replace Hayden Hurst, who was snatched up in the first round. Both could be reliable but one will need to step up. Of note, Crosby also broke his leg last year.
A 9-4 team that should be significantly better is going to make some real waves in 2018. That is what the South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to be this season.
Tigers On The Hunt
By: Josh Aubrey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After watching their in-state conference rival capture another National Championship, the Auburn Tigers are hungry to get back in the title hunt.
On the heels of a 10-4 season that saw the Tigers drop their final two games of the year, Auburn will be setting their sights a lot higher than last year’s SEC West division crown.
The No. 10 ranked Tigers return one of the top defenses in the country, as well as one of the most important positions to return on offense, quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stidham became the Tigers second ever 3,000 yard passer in 2017.
“Jarrett is definitely a strength, and we will lean on him this year,” said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn. “He is ready for us to turn him loose this fall. He is ready for that, and he wants that.”
While Stidham gives the Tigers some stability, the loss of the last two year’s leading rushers – Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway – give the Tigers reasons to be apprehensive.
Trying to fill the void will be junior Kam Martin, who was the Tigers second leading rusher last year. Auburn also has sophomore Malik Miller, redshirt freshman JaTarvious Whitlow, and true freshman Asa Miller.
“We have running backs that we feel good about,” Malzahn said. “Kam Martin is the guy that will be the guy that, as of right now, would start out. And then we have a handful of other guys we feel really good about.”
Up front the Tigers return three players who logged significant playing time last year in left tackle Prince Tega Wanogho Jr., left guard Marquel Harrell and right guard Mike Horton. Much of the rest of the line is up for grabs with some key injuries in the spring opening things up.
Ryan Davis anchors a solid group of receivers. Davis had 84 receptions for 815 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. Junior Darius Slayton returns as well, as do Will Hastings and Eli Stove, who are both coming back from torn ACL’s.
As for the Tiger defense, they return key players on each level of defense but face key losses at pass rushing with Sensei Mud, and Jeff Holland who are now both in the NFL.
The defensive backs also lost two key starters but return corners Javaris Davis and Jamel Dean. Look for the versatile Nick Coe to emerge as one of the leaders on the defensive line.
“I feel like our strength, once again, will be our front seven, like it was last year,” Malzahn said. “I think big picture wise, we have a chance to be as good defensively or possibly better.”
The trouble this year for Auburn doesn’t end with the Crimson Tide, as their opponent in the championship game was another SEC team on the rise in the Georgia Bulldogs.
Auburn has some key matchups throughout the year including their season opener in Atlanta against Washington.
The front end of the Tiger schedule looks promising after the Washington game, as five of their next six games are at home. The second part of the schedule is when things get dicey as that includes road trips to the two teams in the 2017 national title game, Georgia on November 10th and Alabama on November 17th.
