The Tennessean

It's never boring when Alabama and Georgia face off against each other.

That was the case again Saturday in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. Tua Tagovailoa left the game after getting his ankle rolled, and Jalen Hurts did the reverse of the national championship game in January.

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It does not matter if Tagovailoa or Hurts plays at quarterback against Georgia. The end result is a Crimson Tide victory.

But Alabama also did not fake a punt late in the fourth quarter on fourth-and-long. That is very, very important to note. Why did you do that, Kirby Smart?

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Ranking the bowls

Though Georgia will have the loss to Alabama on its mind until the next time those two teams meet, Voices is considering the discussion on the SEC Championship Game closed.

So, let's rank the SEC bowl games. The best conference in the country always has an entertaining slate. Voices is ranking strictly on entertainment value because that is what bowl games are for.

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1. Alabama vs. Oklahoma, College Football Playoff semifinal, Orange Bowl, Dec. 29

This is the best game on the national slate. As long as Tagovailoa is healthy, these two offenses will be at full throat. Alabama's defense was not excellent against Georgia, and Oklahoma will take advantage of the secondary.

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER:Did Tua Tagovailoa throw Heisman out the window?

2. Georgia vs. Texas, Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1

Either Georgia's haze continues for a month after the SEC title game loss, or Texas has five losses in a season in which it may or may not be back. Between those storylines, two good quarterbacks and good defenses, it makes for a good bowl game.

3. LSU vs. Central Florida, Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 1

Coach O vs. UCF Twitter and the Knights' winning streak is salacious. The only bummer: this game will be played late morning on New Year's Day in Glendale, Ariz.

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4. Auburn vs. Purdue, Music City Bowl, Dec. 28

There will be points and tempo. Jarrett Stidham has left NFL Draft experts with a bad taste in their mouths about his 2018 season. If he can dispose of the Boilermakers defense, that would help get his draft stock going upward. Purdue keeps Jeff Brohm, which means more Boilermaker fans in Nashville.

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5. Missouri vs. Oklahoma State, Liberty Bowl, Dec. 31

There will be points here as well, but Missouri could learn a thing or two about the Cowboys this season. Without Mason Rudolph, a program great QB, OSU made a bowl game. Missouri will face the same next season when Drew Lock goes to the NFL.

6. Texas A&M vs. NC State, Gator Bowl, Dec. 31

This is a sneaky fun New Year's Eve game between two good quarterbacks and two coaches that could use a win to brighten up their record. Kellen Mond is good, but Ryan Finley needs a signature win. And Jimbo Fisher knows Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack well.

7. Kentucky vs. Penn State, Citrus Bowl, Jan. 1

There are some stars in this game, with Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley and Kentucky running back Benny Snell and edge rusher Josh Allen all likely wrapping up excellent college careers. But there's always the danger of Kentucky's offense wilting against a solid Penn State defense.

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8. Baylor vs. Vanderbilt, Texas Bowl, Dec. 27

Both of these teams had loads of opportunities to upset a nationally-ranked team but missed out (Vanderbilt against Florida and Notre Dame, Baylor against Texas). This game will be close in proximity for Baylor, but Kyle Shurmur's Vandy career will come to an end. He will be highly motivated.

9. Michigan vs. Florida, Peach Bowl, Dec. 29

Michigan and Florida have played a lot over the last 11 years, and they'll meet again in Atlanta. Does the country know whether or not any of these teams are Top 10 good?

10. Mississippi State vs. Iowa, Outback Bowl, Jan. 1

Iowa in the Outback Bowl is a once-every-three-years deal with Kirk Ferentz at the helm. There will be a lot of running and good defense, which can play for some. It will also begin during the busiest part of the schedule, which gives viewers a chance to browse.

11. South Carolina vs. Virginia, Belk Bowl, Dec. 29

Sorry, Gamecocks. Voices enjoys Jake Bentley in non-Georgia and non-Kentucky games. He is a treat, and Bentley will certainly let it fly. Bowl games are a two-way street, and Virginia does not move the meter. The country will be focused on the CFP semifinals later that day.

COACHES POLL:Oklahoma moves up to No. 4, Georgia drops to No. 6

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Voices of the SEC is compiled each week by Nicole Saavedra and Nick Gray.