Shaun Alexander: Everyone else is trying to be Alabama

Former Alabama running back Shaun Alexander isn’t underestimating Georgia at all. He believes the Bulldogs have one of the best defenses in college football.

But it didn’t show the first time around as the Crimson Tide claimed a 41-24 against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. In an appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show, Alexander attempted to explain what he believes went wrong for the Bulldogs in that first meeting.

“Georgia’s talent is so amazing and no one can deny that,” Alexander said. “I think sometimes when you see Georgia and this great defense and all the things they do, then you look at Alabama, it just feels like it’s not as dynamic as (past Alabama offenses). It just doesn’t feel as explosive. People start making this 2021 Bama team go against those teams for offense. But it’s Georgia’s 2021 team against Bama’s 2021 team. It’s going to be two great teams with a lot of talent.

“Our team, we kind of have players that think they’re gonna make the play. We tell everyone, ‘You’re built for this.’ That’s what everybody comes to Alabama to do. All the other schools are just trying to get to that level. If we ever make plays, people start feeling like they’re going against our whole tradition instead of that game. I think that’s what happened to Georgia in the SEC Championship.”

Shaun Alexander played for Alabama from 1996-99. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons, prompting the Seattle Seahawks to take him in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft. He enjoyed an extremely successful pro career that included three Pro Bowl appearances and was twice the NFL’s rushing touchdowns leader. Alexander retired in 2008.

It certainly can be intimidating to face Alabama given its recent success. The Crimson Tide have won six national championships in 15 years under Nick Saban. That includes a 26-23 victory against Georgia during the 2017 season.

Including SEC Championship Games, the two schools have met four times for a title since 2012. Alabama has won every single one. If a national championship weren’t on the line, beating the Crimson Tide would be the top motivating factor for the Bulldogs.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Indiana.