Alabama at Georgia: Three Key Matchups to Watch

Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) passes against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia QB Greyson Lambert vs. Alabama Secondary

Despite a talented roster that includes Heisman Trophy candidate Nick Chubb at running back and one of the nation’s best offensive lines, there were plenty of concerns about the Georgia offense heading into the 2015 season, primarily because of the unknown surrounding new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, a former NFL play-caller taking over for longtime OC and new Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo, and new starting quarterback Greyson Lambert, who transferred from Virginia. However, through the first four weeks of the season, those concerns have largely been answered.

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia is averaging 45.5 points per game, which is second best in the SEC behind Ole Miss. The Bulldogs have done it with an efficient, balanced attack that includes 257.8 rushing yards and 233.5 passing yards per contest. The Dawgs have yet to throw an interception this season, and Georgia currently leads the SEC and ranks No. 3 in the nation in Pass Efficiency with a 195.3 rating.

Lambert, thanks largely to a two-game performance in which he has completed 33 of 35 pass attempts for 476 yards and five touchdowns – including a school-record 22 consecutive completions and NCAA-record 24-for-25 performance against South Carolina – also ranks first in the conference and third in the country with a 201.0 rating. Overall, the junior has completed 52 of 68 passes this season for 733 yards and seven touchdowns. Lambert’s 76.5 percent completion rate this season ranks second in the nation.

Of course, Georgia hasn’t faced a secondary as talented as Alabama’s. Nearly every member of the Crimson Tide defensive backfield came to Tuscaloosa as a highly recruited star. The unit is led by seniors Geno Matias-Smith and Cyrus Jones, junior Eddie Jackson, and sophomore Marlon Humphrey, but two of the stars of this year’s unit have been true freshmen. Minkah Fitzpatrick had seven tackles last week against ULM and Ronnie Harrison recorded his first career interception against the Warhawks. Together, the secondary has combined for four interceptions this season.

That said, Alabama failed to contain the explosive Ole Miss offense in their 43-37 loss two weeks ago. The Rebels threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns without turning the football over. To beat Georgia, the Crimson Tide must do better at handling Greyson, and his quality set of receivers, including Malcolm Mitchell, Terry Godwin and Reggie Davis, tight end Jeb Blazevich and do-everything offensive weapon Sony Michel than they did with Chad Kelly and Ole Miss.

Next: Sony Michel vs. Kenyan Drake vs. Reggie Bush