Above Image Credit: Bleacher Report
When: Saturday, Sep. 28, 7:30 PM EST
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Channel: ABC/ESPN+ (check your listings)
The Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide will meet on Saturday night in the most anticipated game of the season.
Kalen DeBoer’s True Test Begins
This Saturday night will also test Kalen DeBoer’s might as a head coach in the SEC. Georgia will be the first conference opponent for Alabama, and they are former national champions. Now, it shouldn’t be too hard since DeBoer coached the Washington Huskies to their first national championship in over 30 years last year.
However, he also has to realize that he will be facing head coach Kirby Smart, a former assistant of Bama legend Nick Saban, the man he took over after he retired. The coaches in the SEC are some of the smartest and toughest coaches in college football.
A victory over Georgia will show Bama fans that the team is in very capable hands, and that Saban picked the right successor to his position.
How Can Alabama Outplay Georgia?
Everyone on the Crimson Tide has been incredible so far. QB Jalen Milroe has been dangerous when he’s passing the ball.
The last Georgia vs. Alabama game was at the SEC championship last year, and one of the things that helped them win was when Milroe maintained great positions in the pocket. He is well-protected as long as the offensive lineman keep the defense away in certain directions.
Milroe’s most-targeted player is freshman Ryan Williams. He’s been impressive so far, racking up four touchdowns in 10 receptions. He still has a lot to learn, but he’s already implementing his skills in all the right ways.
Jam Miller is also someone Milroe can count on. As Bama’s top rusher, Miller has been recording nine yards per rush attempt. He can take it further if he can evade the Georgia defense or be wide open enough to catch the ball.
Georgia vs. Alabama: Final Prediction
Sure, Georgia dominated their first three opponents this season, but their performance against Kentucky two weeks ago was lackluster. Then again, it could be because Kentucky’s QB was Brock Vandagriff, who transferred from Georgia, so he would know how to get pass them.
On the subject of QBs, Carson Beck is not entirely on Milroe’s level yet. The Bama defense will not hesitate to target Beck and keep him and the Georgia offense down. If Georgia really wants to win, their offense has to be as strong as the defense but stronger than Bama’s defense.
The flow of each team’s offense is the biggest factor though. Georgia has a hard maintaining the right flow, but Bama seems to have no problem with it. If Georgia can’t find it fast, they are doomed in the SEC.
