Week 5: Alabama at Georgia

Alabama coach Nick Saban seemed to downplay the expectations for his team before the year began. Imagine what the Crimson Tide nation would expect if they can go into Athens and get a huge road victory. The Bulldogs are one of the top five teams in college football, but would solidify their resume even more with a win in this match-up.

When Alabama has the ball, the focus will be on the trenches. The Crimson Tide have one of the best offensive lines in the country, led by left tackle Andre Smith. The offensive line has dominated opposing defenses and the Tide rank 14th in rushing offense. Backs Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram and Terry Grant will see time in this game and they’ll test a Georgia defense that ranks third against the run. The Bulldogs have a solid defensive front, but this will be their toughest test by far. The Crimson Tide want to use the running game to setup the pass, but it will be up to senior quarterback John Parker Wilson to hit some downfield throws to keep the Bulldogs honest.

The one-two punch of quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno has Georgia averaging just over 35 points per game. However, the Crimson Tide defense hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a game this year and sits eighth in the NCAA in scoring defense. Moreno may find running room tough, but the Bulldogs can air it out with Stafford and freshman receiver A.J. Green.

With this game expected to be relatively low scoring, special teams and turnovers could play a key role in the outcome. The Bulldogs have a true freshman kicker in Blair Walsh, who’s connected on 5 of 7 field goal attempts, with both misses from beyond 50 yards. The Crimson Tide have a slight edge in the return department, with Javier Arenas leading averaging 18.7 yards per punt return. 

Notes:

Alabama owns a 35-25-4 series edge over Georgia. However, the Bulldogs have won the last three meetings in this series.

Saturday’s game will be the sixth time in this series both teams will be ranked. Georgia has won the previous five.

Georgia has outscored its opponents 79-17 in the first half and has not allowed a point in the first quarter this year.

Key Player (Crimson Tide) – John Parker Wilson, QB

The Crimson Tide are off to a hot start, mostly due to their offensive line and solid rushing attack. Wilson has been steady, but not spectacular through four games. However, that’s the best recipe for success for this team. After last season’s late struggles, this is a chance for Wilson to get redemption and send the Tide to 5-0.

Key Player (Bulldogs) – A.J. Green, WR

Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno may get all of the attention, but Green has been a key cog in this offense. The true freshman receiver leads the team in receptions (16) for 300 yards and has two touchdowns. If the Bulldogs can stretch the field, this will help eliminate some of the defensive pressure from Moreno and keep the Tide defense on its heels.

Bulldogs by 7