Alabama preview: Clash of the titans as Tide take on Dawgs in Tuscaloosa
With Nick Saban out of the picture, can the Dawgs shake the Alabama monkey off their back?
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
One of the season’s most anticipated matchups will take place on Saturday night when fourth-ranked Alabama hosts second-ranked Georgia in a rare regular season matchup. Both programs have ruled the roost in the SEC as three of the last four national titles find their homes in Athens and Tuscaloosa. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Even though it is taking place relatively early in the season, the game is huge for both teams. Alabama is off to a good start and has crept into the top five under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The former Washington coach and his squad have eased the nerves of Tide fans who were worried that Alabama would take a big step back now that the GOAT, Nick Saban, has left the Bama sidelines. Saturday is an opportunity for DeBoer to send a message to the conference and the nation that Alabama will not exit the ranks of the elite anytime soon.
For Georgia, motivation is extremely high as the Dawgs look to avenge their only loss of the 2023 season. The Crimson Tide topped the Bulldogs in last year’s SEC championship game, and the loss was particularly painful as it kept Georgia out of the College Football Playoffs and denied them a chance to claim their third straight national title. Another thorn in the Dawgs side was Nick Saban, as Alabama defeated Kirby Smart’s Dawgs eight of the last nine times the teams have played. Saturday will give the first indication of whether Georgia currently has an Alabama problem or had a Saban problem. In the past 46 games, the Bulldogs are 44-2 with both losses coming at the hands of Saban and the Crimson Tide.
From top to bottom, Georgia is talented, deep, and loaded. Leading the way on offense is senior quarterback Carson Beck, whose only loss as a starter occurred in last season’s SEC title game. He is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, and his final collegiate campaign is off to a strong start. Beck reads the field like a pro and he has the arm to make throws all over the field. He is completing 68% of his passes (down a bit from last year’s mark of 72%) and has a 7-0 touchdown to interception ratio. His top two pass catchers from a year ago, Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey, are now in the NFL, but capable receivers remain on the roster. Senior wideout Dominic Lovett leads all Georgia receivers, averaging 12.9 yards per catch. Fellow receivers Arian Smith, Dillon Bell, and tight end Oscar Delp are viable threats to opposing secondaries as well.
Florida transfer Trevor Etienne is the star of the Dawg backfield while true freshman Nate Frazier’s college career is off to an excellent start as he is averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The offensive line is, perhaps, the best in the country as evidenced by the fact that the unit has given up just one sack through three games. Placekicker Peyton Woodring is six for six on field goal attempts with a long kick of 55 yards. The unit is averaging 31 points per game. Defensively, the Dawgs have not given up a touchdown so far this season and have talent galore all over the field. The staunch unit up front has produced eight sacks through three games. Sophomore linebacker CJ Allen leads the team in tackles with 15.
Alabama counters Georgia’s roster with a talented one of their own. Quarterback Jalen Milroe headlines the offense as he is also a Heisman Trophy candidate. The junior has completed 67% of his passes and has thrown for eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Milroe has proven to be a true dual threat, as he has tallied six additional touchdowns on the ground. The tailback tandem of Jam Miller and Justice Haynes has been impressive, combining for five touchdowns. Bama’s receiving corps from 2023 took a hit through the transfer portal, however, a new crop of young talent is starting to emerge. Leading the way is freshman Ryan Williams, who has already tallied four touchdowns. If there is a concern on offense, it is the line that has surrendered five sacks. Bama fans will be quick to note that the entire line has only been intact for the Wisconsin game two weeks ago, and they performed well in that contest.
Placekicker Graham Nicholson has attempted just one field goal on the season, which he missed, however there is a lot of confidence in the Miami (Ohio) transfer. Punter James Burnip, who averages 46.3 yards per kick, continues to be a true threat as he has spent the last two seasons flipping the field in the Tide’s favor. As a unit, the offense is averaging an impressive 49 points per game. Defensively, veteran linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson lead a deep and talented group. The secondary, led by senior safety Malachi Moore, has held up reasonably well but they have allowed opposing receivers to get behind them in each of their first three games. Opponents are scoring a mere eight points per game against the Tide defense.
With College Gameday headed to Tuscaloosa, the overall mood will be electric. As is usually the case in the SEC, this one will be decided in the trenches, which favors then Dawgs. Yet, Georgia held the same edge when the teams met last year but both Tide lines ended up ruling the day. This game will also hinge on each team’s ability to move the ball and score touchdowns. Look for Bama to feed off the home crowd and have success early. However, the Dawgs will eventually get their footing, and Beck will have a day like the one had by Texas’ Quinn Ewers when he and the Longhorns knocked off the Tide in Tuscaloosa last season. Georgia will hold off a late Tide rally and Kirby Smart leaves Tuscaloosa with a huge win.
#2 Georgia 33
#4 Alabama 24
