Alabama at Georgia: Three Key Matchups to Watch
Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Denzel Devall (30) and defensive lineman Jarran Reed (90) tackle Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Garrett Smith (13) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Rushing Offense vs. Alabama Run Defense
Alabama has held opponents to 17.5 points per game this season, and shutout ULM 34-0 last week. The Crimson Tide allowed just 92 total yards to the Warhawks, and only nine rushing yards on 31 attempts. It was the third time this season that Alabama has held an opponent under 90 rushing yards. To date, Alabama has allowed an average of 56.8 rushing yards per game, which is the best mark in the SEC and ranks No. 4 nationally, and has allowed just two touchdowns on the ground.
The Crimson Tide have excelled stopping the run thanks to impressive defensive line play from Jarran Reed (20 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1 sack), Da’Shawn Hand (7 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks), Jonathan Allen (7 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 3 sacks) and A’Shawn Robinson (9 tackles, 1 TFL), which frees up linebackers Reggie Ragland (34 tackles, 1.5 TFL), Reuben Foster (18 tackles, 2.0 TFL) and Denzell Devall (11 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 1 sack) to make plays.
On the other hand, Georgia ranks No. 2 in the SEC in rushing offense with 257.8 yards per game. Nick Chubb is currently fifth in the country with 599 rushing yards, and has averaged 8.4 yards on 71 carries, with six touchdowns. Chubb has run for 126.2 yards per game over the first 17 games of his career, which is the best average in the nation among active players. He has also run for more than 100 yards in 12 consecutive games, which is the longest such streak in the nation and is currently tied with Herschel Walker for the best streak in school history.
And, as we’ve already pointed out, Chubb doesn’t have to do it alone. Sony Michel and Keith Marshall (125 rushing yards, 4 TD) are two of the best backups in the SEC. Plus, Chubb, Michel and Marshall have the benefit of running behind one of the best offensive lines in college football, including All-SEC performers John Theus and Greg Pike.
It’s a classic strength versus strength matchup that could decide the outcome Saturday.
Next: Prediction