Alabama at Georgia: Three Key Matchups to Watch

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

Alabama at Georgia Prediction

Alabama and Georgia both feature rosters stocked with elite talent. We’ve yet to even mention Georgia defenders like Jordan Jenkins, Leonard Floyd and Lorenzo Carter, who are three of the best pass rushers in the SEC and will be challenged by the likes of sophomore left tackle Cam Robinson – who is one of the very best in the country at his position. To beat Georgia, Robinson and his offensive line mates must give quarterback Jake Coker time to work, and must also open up running lanes for Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake.

Speaking of Drake, he and Georgia running back Sony Michel will be major factors for their respective teams. Michel and running mate Nick Chubb will have their hands full with one of the nation’s toughest run defenses, but Michel’s skills as a receiver give Georgia quarterback Greyson Lambert another weapon with which to attack a talented but susceptible Alabama secondary. To beat Alabama, Lambert must be nearly as productive and efficient as he’s been over the last two games – and that’s no easy task.

These are two evenly matched teams each capable of winning the SEC and reaching the College Football Playoff. However, because of Alabama’s early season loss to Ole Miss, the Crimson Tide are already backed into a corner on both accounts. That means the Tide will likely be at their very best Saturday night in Athens. But, even at their best, is this Alabama team – seven seasons removed from the start of the dynasty – capable of beating what could be the best Georgia team in more than a decade?

This week’s heavyweight fight could be epic, and it should come down to a fourth quarter decision. Expect the home crowd to play a big role, and for the Dawgs to come out on top – but barely.

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