Shaq, sports stars and UGA greats predict Monday's CFB national championship game

Georgia seeks its first back-to-back national title, and the first repeat champ since Alabama a decade ago, when it faces TCU Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game.

The Bulldogs are large favorites in Vegas, with a steady 12.5-point spread across most sportsbooks.

Former Georgia athletes, a local baseball star, an Athens-area state representative and even Shaq recently weighed in on Monday night's outcome. Here's how they believe the Bulldogs will fare in Los Angeles.

Shaq and Ernie Johnson, Jr., NBA on TNT

Ernie Johnson, host of TNT's NBA on TV studio show with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith, is a Georgia alum. Last year, Barkley picked Georgia to the dismay of many Bulldogs fans who joked that his endorsement was bad luck for UGA to defeat SEC West rival Alabama.

Shaq, one of LSU's most famous alums, is making a wager this year with Johnson, who predicted that the Bulldogs would beat TCU 45-17.

"If Georgia beats TCU, I'll eat some frogs," Shaq sternly said. "I'll eat a horned frog."

Watch for yourself.

Kevin Kisner, Former UGA golfer on the PGA Tour

"Dawgs pull away significantly in second half to win by 3 TDs. 41-21 final with 19 (Brock Bowers) having a huge game with over 100 yards receiving."

Houston Gaines, UGA alumnus and Georgia State Representative

"Dawgs win 40-24. The Horned Frogs are a really good football team, but ultimately I believe the Dawgs come in fired up after the close Ohio St. game and take care of business in L.A. for back-to-back National Championships. GO DAWGS!"

Chip Caray, Atlanta Braves broadcaster

"It's gonna be a great game—if you have any fingernails left! Dawgs over Frawgs...two possession game!"

Tavarres King, former Georgia receiver

Appearing last week on the TakeoverPods Podcast, King was hesitant of the large line but he believed in his former team.

"That’s a lot of points for a Natty, but, yeah, I’m taking them to cover."

Adam Frazier, Baltimore Orioles infielder and Oconee County High School legend

"I think I got TCU in an upset, 42-38."

Hudson Swafford, former UGA golfer and member of the LIV Golf tour

"Going to be a close first half, like 21-17. Not sure on which team will be leading at the half, but going to be a great second half for the Dawgs with a 14-0 run in the 3rd and 14-7 4th. That's what I am thinking, but that might be way off."

Knowshon Moreno, former UGA running back

Appearing with King on the podcast, Moreno believed TCU will cover the spread but the Bulldogs will be victorious.

"I'm thinking (Georgia will win) more around 10."

Greyson Sigg, former UGA golfer and PGA Tour member

"What a time to be a Georgia fan! I'm liking the way it's shaping up for the Dawgs. I think Kirby will have the boys fired up to come out strong and play a nice game. 36-17 Dawgs over Frogs! Back to back!"

More predictions will be added as they are made leading up to Monday night's 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Former UGA athletes, a state rep, Georgia football greats pick CFP title