Why Paul Finebaum favors Alabama over Georgia | On The Beat

On today's episode of On The Beat, DawgNation insiders Cody Chaffins and Mike Griffith provide updates ahead of showdown at Alabama. Plus, Paul Finebaum joins the show to discuss why he thinks Alabama will win Saturday's matchup. Later, who's hot and who's cold in College Football.

0:00 – The Open
1:50 – The questions that will determine UGA vs Bama
15:11 – Paul Finebaum previews UGA vs Bama
20:03 – Fineabum on the rest of the SEC
33:30 – Who’s Hot and Who’s Cold

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[McGormickHeigenschmidt]

This feels like the lead up to 2022 Tennessee GA where everyone expected Tennessee to throttle GA. The supreme confidence in Bama winning feels eerie. People should be 50/50

[ericayers]

Great show, Griff! . Hoping to see a much cleaner game and a more focused Georgia team this Saturday, and getting pressure on Jalen Millroe will be critical. It'll be interesting to see how they mix up their defensive calls on him and how they defend Ryan Williams as well. Go Dawgs!

[littleelvis]

If GA plays like the Kentucky game, it’s going to be a long day for the dawgs. I’m a dawg fan.

[TreeTop]

Georgia hasn't showed its' cards yet. That's the thing that will be the determining factor. What surprises will we see when we open it up?

[ndnobody]

Unless they thought so much about this game they literally showed nothing .... We have called ultra conservative plays all the games we have played this year

[jay]

Looks like everyone is picking Bama to win. 😂

[dawgmanever]

UGA fans, if our Lambo driver doesn’t get out of this funk he’s in, if our OL (especially #71 and #73) doesn’t improve drastically, and our perimeter blocking doesn’t improve, it’s going to be a long night in Tuscaloosa. Re Beck, just don’t say he had a bad game against KY. He’s been playing off since game 1. If we claim to be an elite team, we better start playing like it.

Please explain why I’m full of 💩. I’ll take anyone’s positive take on why we’re going to win bc at this point, I need it. I haven’t been this pessimistic since the Richt era.

[TideNC]

Bama’s gonna have to prove this one to me. I see weaknesses in both teams, but the young DB’s getting burnt has to stop or Bama’s got trouble Saturday. Also the DL has to get to the QB.

[DSGB-wwdk]

Mike nervous don't let him fool yall

[jimharrison]

Cancels out home field advantage? Because they've played at Kentucky?? Hmm

[johnnull]

Why Mike Bobo’s Conservative Play-Calling Could Keep Georgia from the Playoffs in 2024
The University of Georgia’s football team has become a powerhouse in recent years, with back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. However, the 2024 season brings with it concerns about Mike Bobo's role as the offensive coordinator. Although Bobo is an experienced figure in UGA’s coaching history, his conservative tendencies could jeopardize Georgia’s chances of success, especially against elite teams like Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. This season, with its brutal schedule, may see Georgia struggle to make the College Football Playoff, and Bobo’s cautious play-calling could be the culprit.

Bobo’s Conservative Play-Calling: A Hindrance Against Top Teams
One of the major concerns surrounding Mike Bobo is his reliance on conservative play-calling, particularly in critical moments. Throughout the 2024 season, this tendency has led to predictability and missed opportunities in games that Georgia should have controlled more decisively. Bobo often leans heavily on running the ball on first and second downs, limiting offensive creativity. While the running game is a key part of Georgia’s offensive identity, Bobo’s reluctance to take risks—especially when facing strong defenses—leaves the team vulnerable to elite programs like Alabama.

When facing a team like Alabama, known for its stout defense, Georgia will need to mix things up offensively. Predictable, run-heavy play-calling can be easily countered by Nick Saban’s defensive schemes, and if Bobo continues to play it safe, Georgia may find itself struggling to move the ball effectively against such a well-prepared opponent.

The same applies to Tennessee and Texas, both of which boast dynamic offenses capable of putting up big points. Tennessee’s up-tempo offense under Josh Heupel will force Georgia into high-scoring situations, where Bobo’s conservative nature may backfire. Tennessee has the firepower to overwhelm a Georgia offense that isn’t taking chances, making it difficult for Georgia to keep pace if they fall behind early.

Predictability and Missed Opportunities in 2024
In 2024, Bobo’s conservative tendencies have become increasingly evident in Georgia’s red-zone performance. Despite having some of the best offensive talent in the country, Georgia has often struggled to capitalize on key opportunities. Bobo’s insistence on running the ball in obvious situations, rather than opting for creative passing plays or trick formations, has led to stalled drives and missed scoring chances. This will be especially problematic against teams like Texas, where every possession will count.

In high-stakes games, offensive creativity is often the difference between winning and losing. Bobo’s reluctance to trust his quarterback to make big plays downfield, or to utilize the full array of offensive weapons at his disposal, will cost Georgia when facing the aggressive, unpredictable defenses of Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas.

A Tough Schedule and Slim Margin for Error
Georgia’s 2024 schedule is one of the toughest the program has faced in years. With Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas all on the docket, there is little room for error. Any loss could severely impact Georgia’s chances of making the College Football Playoff, and with Mike Bobo calling plays, the Bulldogs’ margin for error becomes even slimmer.

To make the playoffs, Georgia will need to dominate opponents not just on defense, but by consistently putting up points. In past seasons, Georgia’s success has been driven by an aggressive, balanced offense capable of scoring in bunches. If Bobo continues to play it safe, relying on his defense to carry the team while his offense stalls out, Georgia risks losing close games to high-powered offenses like Tennessee and Texas.

In such a competitive season, style points matter. The College Football Playoff selection committee values teams that not only win but win convincingly. Bobo’s conservative approach may lead to fewer blowout victories, which could hurt Georgia’s playoff resume, even if they manage to scrape by with wins in some of these key matchups.

Conclusion: A Playoff Run in Jeopardy
Mike Bobo’s conservative play-calling is a significant liability for Georgia as they enter the critical 2024 season. With Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas looming on the schedule, the Bulldogs will need to play their best football to remain in playoff contention. Unfortunately, Bobo’s predictable tendencies, overreliance on the running game, and reluctance to take risks may prevent Georgia from reaching their full offensive potential. In a season where every game matters, Georgia could easily find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff.

To stay competitive against the nation’s best teams, Bobo will need to adapt, opening up the playbook and trusting his talented roster to make big plays. Without this change in philosophy, Georgia’s hopes of returning to the playoff and contending for another national championship could be in serious jeopardy.

[Nic_P]

Finebaum is a bama homer!! Doesnt surprise me one bit

[PhillipTowe]

Georgia will play this game like a national championship game

[cameronmerrill_]

Mike bought that huge microphone and doesnt even turn it on

[kelliewood]

Why?he always favors Alabama.the shocker would have been picking Georgia.everyone is picking alabama.and that's the way I like it.go Dawgs.

[gabevinson]

Bama by double digits, and it doesn't matter which Georgia team shows up. It about Bama

[dougsholly]

Finebaum is a clown. My statement has nothing to do with either team. He just is.

[robbyeversole]

Cancel out the Home field advantage? hahan what a joke

[KirbysVISOR]

Bama has no secondary, Becks going to carve them up

[izzybobkelley]

Georgia fans are dillisional thinking they took bama dynasty and now they hold it lmao