Former UGA players, celebrity alumni make Georgia-Alabama national title predictions

School pride is high for UGA alums who are preparing for next Monday's national title rematch with Alabama.

After trouncing Michigan 34-11 in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve, the Bulldogs will face Alabama on Monday night in Indianapolis looking for revenge from a 41-24 loss in last month's SEC title game.

Celebrity UGA alums are certainly boisterous in their support for their alma mater. Here's what a few of them are saying prior to Monday's showdown.

Kevin Kisner, PGA Tour veteran

"I am so excited for Kirby, the staff, administration, and the players for the opportunity. There are schools, coaches, and players that work their tails off all over the country that never get this opportunity."

Prediction: 31-27 'Dawgs'

Jarvis Hayes, UGA Basketball legend

"I'm so excited. It should be our second national championship, but when you go up against a juggernaut like Nick Saban and Alabama, listen, it's tough. To say I'm excited about the Bulldogs is an understatement. I'm so excited and I can't wait until game night. I'm definitely going to be tuned in."

Prediction: Georgia 26, Alabama 23

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Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy Winner

Rennie Curran, former All-SEC linebacker

"I'm extremely proud of them. The mark of a great team is not just how many wins they acquire, but how they respond to adversity and setbacks. I'm extremely proud of the way they have bounced back, ignored the haters and distractions, and played their hearts out for each other. Every former Dawg that wore the Red & Black is pulling for them and regardless of the outcome this will go down as one of the greatest teams in the history of the program."

Prediction: UGA 30-21

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Jack Bauerle, UGA swim coach and Bulldog alum

"It's just great to see and it's galvanizing, I think. That's the beauty of sport, too, it brings everybody together and everybody is excited. We've been knocking on the door and when you keep knocking on the door then good things happen ... I'm just excited for the athletes, coaches and UGA.

"This will be 42 years since the last national championship, if we win. There is on constant within that 42 years and that is Coach Dooley. Amazingly, after all this time, any of us that were here in the 60s, 70s, 80s still look to him as our leader. I'm not sure there is anyone that would like to see a national championship more, other than the players and the coaches, than Coach Dooley."

Prediction: 'I just think we're going to win it, but it's going to be a tight game.'

Chris Kirk, PGA Tour Veteran and Watkinsville resident

"I am really pumped for the national championship game and wish I was going. I will be at the Sony Open (in Hawaii) with a lot of my former UGA teammates. I think the Dawgs will play this game with a very different energy and pull away in the first half. Dawgs on top!

Prediction: UGA 31-10

Billy Bennett, former UGA kicker who defeated Alabama with a 32-yard field goal in 2002

"I find myself asking the same question as Pat Dye did in 2002. Are we MAN ENOUGH to beat Alabama? Well, we showed them then. Will our boys show them now? And I hope those boys read this and know there are doubters. And that it's up to them to change that."

Prediction: 'If the men show up, Dawgs win 34-30'

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Aaron Murray, SEC record-holder for several passing records

"Defense slows down the explosive plays and takes care of the football on offense."

Prediction: 27-21 UGA

John Isner, ATP Tour and UGA tennis great

Tweet before the Orange Bowl

Following UGA's Orange Bowl victory

Greg Blue, former hard-hitting safety and fan favorite

"I'm extremely excited and proud to see my young brothers put Georgia where it belongs. I know we can beat Alabama as long as they stay connected and locked in every play for four quarters. When we win...we will be on the mountain of college football. Exactly where the University of Georgia belongs."

Prediction: UGA 24-13

Keith Marshall, former UGA running back

"It's hard to beat a really good team twice. The boys will be looking to prove something after what happened in the SEC championship."

Prediction: UGA 31-20

Ernie Johnson, UGA alum and host of Inside the NBA on TNT

Tra Battle, former UGA safety

"There are times in life when preparation looks down at opportunity with a smile. Dawg nation has been preparing for this since 1980. Opportunity...it's nice to see you!"

Prediction: 38-35 'Dawgs'

Ty Frix, former UGA long snapper

"UGA's elite defense is going to be a huge factor, but I still think you have to score 30 points to win this game. SB (Stetson Bennett) continues his high level of play."

Prediction: 30-27 'Dawgs'

Tavarres King, former UGA wide receiver

“Our front 7 has to get home to Bryce Young. Those guys are hungrier now more than ever, and I think that’s a key to bringing that crystal ball home."

Prediction: 'Dawgs Win! 34-21'

Allison Schmitt, 10-time Olympic medalist and UGA swimming legend

"Let's go Dawgs!! I bleed red and black...so win or loss I'm always cheering on the Dawgs...but it's much more fun when there's a big prize we're cheering for!"

Prediction: 28-23 Georgia

Nick Chubb, UGA running back great now with the Cleveland Browns

Quincy Carter, former UGA QB

"We will WIN this DAMN GAME."

Prediction: UGA 34-21

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: UGA-Alabama predictions: Former Bulldogs, celebrity alumni make picks