ATHENS — No matter what happens from here on out, there will be some Red & Black in the Super Bowl.
That’s because there are going to be some Georgia Bulldogs in it — again. That was assured with this past weekend’s divisional championships, which left at least one Georgia letterman on the rosters of the each of the four teams in next weekend’s NFC and AFC Championships. That means the Bulldogs will extend their SEC-leading streak to 18 straight years of having a former player participate in the Super Bowl
There are eight Bulldogs left in all. The AFC Championship Game will feature New England at Kansas City. The Patriots have tailback Sony Michel and center David Andrews (offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn is on injured reserve), while the Chiefs will feature outside linebacker Justin Houston and receiver Chris Conley.
In the NFC Championship Game in New Orleans, the Los Angeles Rams are led by running back Todd Gurley along with inside linebacker and special teams standout Ramik Wilson, while the New Orleans Saints have tight end Benjamin Watson.
Georgia could distinguish itself even further as an NFL talent producer should one of its lettermen claim Super Bowl MVP honors. Only Georgia and Southern Cal have had three different alums claim that trophy, the Bulldogs with Jake Scott, Terrell Davis and Hines Ward, and the Trojans with Lynn Swann, Marcus Allen and Malcolm Smith. Michigan claims four Super Bowl MVP winners, but Tom Brady has accounted for three of those. Likewise, Alabama players have won it three times, but twice by Bart Starr.
Super Bowl LII will be held Sunday, Feb. 3, in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Here’s how the Bulldogs did in this past weekend’s divisional championships:
Kansas City Chiefs 31, Indianapolis Colts 13
- Justin Houston: Houston had two sacks for 15 yards, recovered a fumble, and defended one pass. Houston and the Chiefs limited the Colts to 263 total yards.
- Chris Conley: Conley was targeted three times but did not have any catches. Recognized as an excellent blocking receiver, Conley was on the field for 56 of 87 offensive plays and helped Kansas City accumulate 433 total yards.
- Corey Moore: Moore, a backup safety for the Colts, logged 15 special teams plays and posted one tackle.
New England Patriots 41, San Diego Chargers 28
- David Andrews: Andrews started at center and helped the Patriots roll up 498 total yards. Andrews and his line-mates did not allow a sack.
- Sony Michel: Michel had 24 rushes for 159 yards and scored three touchdowns for New England. He reached the century mark and registered all three touchdowns in the first half. Michel also hauled in a 9-yard pass.
- Isaiah Wynn: Wynn has been on the Patriots’ injured reserve list throughout the year following Achilles tendon surgery during preseason camp.
Los Angeles Rams 30, Dallas Cowboys 22
- Todd Gurley: Gurley rushed 16 times for 115 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run, for the Rams. He also caught two passes for three yards. As a team, the Rams rushed for 273 yards and had 459 total yards. Gurley had missed the Rams’ final two regular-season games with knee inflammation.
- Ramik Wilson: Wilson appeared on 17 special teams plays for the Rams but did not have any stats.
- Reggie Davis: Davis, a receiver, was signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad in November and did not appear in any games.
New Orleans Saints 20, Philadelphia Eagles 14
- Benjamin Watson: Watson had a 12-yard reception on his only target for the Saints, who rolled up 420 total yards. Watson announced in December that he will retire at the end of the season.