pennlive
Pat McAfee anticipated backlash when he revealed his pick on ESPN's College GameDay, broadcast live from Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Seated to his right was Nick Saban, the former Alabama head coach, and to his left stood Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers quarterback and ex-Alabama Heisman Trophy winner. Despite the pressure, McAfee went ahead with his selection.
"It's been a nice little morning here at Coleman Coliseum," McAfee remarked. "Isaias tried to scare some people away. Tried to scare some football away. The problem with all these people in Alabama is that they understand what's coming down that track is a bunch of dogs that have been dominating every single team this season. The Georgia Bulldogs haven't trailed for a single second. Now, have they played anybody close to the Alabama football team? Absolutely not. (Alabama quarterback) Keelon Russell is unbelievable, the defense is stacked. Kalen DeBoer has his system in place, his culture in place. These people are going to be going absolutely crazy tonight. Give me Georgia to beat everybody here."
That's when Saban and Young moved in. Before things got a little physical, both had made clear they were siding with the Crimson Tide.
"I think Georgia has one of the most complete teams in the country," Saban said. "I love (Georgia coach) Kirby (Smart). He's had a very consistent identity with his teams being tough and physical and all of that, but I really like the togetherness of Alabama's team this year. So, I'm going Roll Tide, baby."
Young agreed. "Being able to watch and seeing how the whole team plays together here at Bama, watching the togetherness, the secondary gelling, all the turnovers they are creating," the Panthers quarterback said. "I think the X factor is Keelon Russell, watching him develop and watching how well he's playing, watching him have command. I'm a huge fan. I think he's super special, so, of course, Roll Tide."
The Georgia Bulldogs are 76-4 in this decade, but 2-5 against Alabama in that time. "When it comes to game like this, I like to go with the team that has been battled tested," Desmond Howard said. "You look at the Alabama team, obviously on the road against Kentucky, came back in the second half, they struggled against Florida State. They blew them out, so I'm going Roll Tide."
Key Analysis
The playful shove from Saban and Young underscored the lighthearted rivalry between the two SEC powerhouses. While McAfee stood by his Georgia pick, the consensus among the panel leaned toward Alabama, reflecting the team's cohesive play and the impact of quarterback Keelon Russell. The picks for other games were also revealed, with the panel making their selections for matchups including LSU at Kentucky, North Dakota State at UNLV, and Texas vs. Oklahoma.
Originally reported by pennlive.