HOOVER, Ala. — Georgia doesn’t have to beat Alabama to win an SEC championship. The Bulldogs could, in theory, end up playing one of the six other teams from the SEC West in the SEC championship game, assuming Georgia wins the SEC East again.

But count legendary Georgia running back Herschel Walker in the camp of people who very much wants to see Georgia take on Alabama and win.

Walker’s strongest words on Tuesday came when speaking on why he wants to see the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide meet at the end of this season. Georgia has lost to Alabama in each of the past two seasons, losing in frustrating fashion both times. Georgia held a double-digit second-half lead in both matchups but still came up on the losing end.

The last time the Bulldogs beat Alabama was all the way back in 2007.

Related: The absolutely unbelievable coin flip Herschel Walker recruiting story

He actually compared it to his time in MMA and just not letting the Crimson Tide get back up when Georgia has them in a hole.

“I’ve been in MMA now for eight years,” Walker said. “I’ve been fighting guys that are the best in the world. When I put a guy down I’m going to make sure he stays down. Not to be mean, I think that’s what Georgia has to do. When they’ve got Alabama down they’ve got to make sure Alabama stays down.”

Georgia players and Kirby Smart didn’t express the same opinion when they met with the media on Tuesday. They all mentioned a desire to win the SEC championship but did not specifically name Alabama as the team Georgia wants to see in Atlanta on Dec. 7.

Walker also touched on a number of other issues when meeting with the media, including praising Georgia running back D’Andre Swift, especially with his athletic ability.

“I wish I had that stop-and-go he has when he plays,” Swift said. “He’s not just a quick guy or a fast guy, but he’s strong. He’s built like a body-builder. And the guy is also a leader, and I think that’s what matters a great deal.”

Walker also hinted that he plans on being in town for the Notre Dame game on Sept. 21. Walker was a key member of the 1980 team that defeated Notre Dame to win the national championship. The Heisman Trophy running back added that he’s excited to see the Fighting Irish in Athens for the first time.

You can see the full interview below.

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