Georgia rushed for 317 yards in its Rose Bowl victory over Oklahoma.
Alabama yielded 64 rushing yards in its Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson.
That’s a 253-yard difference, and it sets up an obvious and intriguing aspect to follow Monday night when Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs (13-1) and Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide (12-1) collide for the national title inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“Alabama is known for having a good run defense and just an overall good defense,” Bulldogs senior running back Sony Michel said. “I’m excited for the challenge. This offense is. This team is, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Michel and fellow senior Nick Chubb are coming off their most dynamic performance as a tandem, combining on 25 rushes for 327 yards and five touchdowns in the 54-48 win over Oklahoma in double overtime. Chubb rushed 14 times for 145 yards (10.4 per carry) and two touchdowns, while Michel had 11 carries for 181 yards (16.5) and three scores to earn offensive MVP honors.