(Photo: Cosm)

Saturday Spotlight

(2) Georgia Bulldogs at (6) Alabama Crimson Tide

Georgia (5-0):

I made an interesting observation the other day: for a team that’s 5–0 and ranked second in the country, you really don’t hear much about Georgia. The conversation has centered on the Miami Hurricanes, the Texas Longhorns, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and the incredible run Jeremiah Smith has been on. But let’s not forget about the group in Athens. As the season approached, I remember saying that it didn’t matter much to me what Georgia did during the regular season because the Bulldogs always seem to find a way to navigate their schedule. These days, you can pretty much pencil them in to compete for the SEC Championship on the first Saturday in December. However, I want to talk about their recent playoff runs. In 2023, they didn’t make the College Football Playoff, and over the last two seasons, they’ve secured first-round byes but fallen short of their ultimate goal. The point I’m getting at is that this team hasn’t won a playoff game since repeating as national champions by defeating the TCU Horned Frogs. So far, I like what the Georgia Bulldogs have done this year, and I want to start by breaking down their offense. I’ve always found myself pulling for Gunner Stockton, and he’s been excellent so far this season. He’s truly taken control of this offense. The offensive line has been stable up front, and, as expected, their defense is one of the best in the nation and has made its share of game-changing plays. This is a group that starts quickly and finishes strong. Tonight, they’ll make their way to Tuscaloosa for their toughest test of the season so far.

Alabama (5-0):

Leading up to Week 1, I remember saying that this could be a make-or-break year, not only for the program but also for head coach Kalen DeBoer. I even said that if Alabama failed to qualify for the College Football Playoff—or qualified but didn’t advance—it might be time to move on from him. I’ve watched this team play a few times this year, and I don’t want to say they look exactly like the team we grew accustomed to seeing under Nick Saban. We may never see those same dominant performances again. However, I will say that this might be the best all-around team Kalen DeBoer has inherited since taking over after Saban’s retirement. Keelon Russell is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and has elevated this offense. The Crimson Tide have surpassed 45 points in each of their first five games. Last week against Mississippi State, I saw Alabama start quickly and never look back. What I like about their offense this year is that they have multiple ways to score. They aren’t asking Keelon to throw the ball all over the field and play hero ball. They run the ball and play with balance, which makes them much more challenging to defend. However, I think the most impressive development has been their defense. They’ve been forcing turnovers left and right, but what have I also mentioned in years past? It’s one thing to force turnovers, but what do you do with them, and how do you capitalize on those opportunities? Alabama has done just that, converting those takeaways into 66 points. They may not be the same team we saw during the Saban era, but they still find a way to remain among the nation’s best. Tonight, the Tide will welcome the Bulldogs to town.

Georgia X-Factor: Chris Cole

One thing Kirby Smart knows how to do is develop a defensive star, and I think he has another one on his hands in Chris Cole. He’s a junior inside linebacker standing 6-foot-3, and he’s become one of the more intriguing players on this Dawgs defense. I like that he doesn’t rely on just one skill to make an impact. He makes tackles in the open field, disrupts plays in the backfield, rushes the passer, and can turn a mistake into a touchdown in the blink of an eye. Chris will need to be on his A-game tonight against this explosive Crimson Tide offense. Two things I’ll be watching are whether he can pressure Keelon Russell without opening up running lanes and whether he can diagnose plays quickly enough to stop the run. Tonight, Chris must play with discipline.

Alabama X-Factor: Keon Sabb

This is why you take advantage of the transfer portal! Keon is a fifth-year defensive back who transferred to Alabama after playing for the Michigan Wolverines. He’s a veteran with plenty of experience, and that matters in a game of this magnitude. Through five games, he’s made his presence felt, recording 13 tackles, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Keon will be asked to cover the middle of the field and help limit Stockton’s throws over the middle. I’ll also be watching how he handles the explosive plays Georgia will look to create tonight. If Keon can force a turnover or make a key play at a crucial moment, he could be one of the most important players in this game.

Final Thoughts:

I’ve been fortunate to preview this matchup many times, dating back to their SEC Championship battles and even their two meetings in the national championship game. These two teams met last season in Athens, where the Crimson Tide won and snapped the Bulldogs’ home winning streak. Months later, in December, they met again in the SEC Championship, and Georgia got its revenge. Tonight, we get these two teams facing off once again in primetime in a top-six showdown. Both teams bring explosive offenses into this contest, so we could see the ball flying all over the field. Georgia must remain methodical offensively, which means relying heavily on screen passes, quick throws, and play-action to dink and dunk its way down the field. This approach will keep the chains moving, keep the Georgia offense on schedule, and, if the Bulldogs make plays, help silence the crowd. Next, Georgia needs to pressure Keelon and force him into quick, uncomfortable decisions. Lastly, the Bulldogs must make Alabama’s offense one-dimensional by limiting its rushing attack. On the other side, Alabama must limit Georgia’s explosive plays and avoid broken coverages. If they don’t, Gunner Stockton will make them pay. The Tide also need to stay ahead of the chains because they can’t afford to consistently face third-and-long situations against a Georgia defense that is complex enough to disguise both its coverages and blitz packages. Finally, Alabama must control the tempo with Keelon. He’s playing at a Heisman level and leading an offense that’s averaging 49 points per game. Keeping the chains moving and avoiding costly turnovers will be critical to preventing Georgia’s defense from dictating the flow of the game. We should be in for a treat tonight!

Prediction:

Alabama 24, Georgia 21