Georgia Will End Alabama's SEC Football Reign Of Terror On Saturday

Living in Atlanta as I do and being a lifelong Seminole fan, it is difficult to embrace the UGA madness that envelops the state every fall. UGA paraphernalia is ubiquitous to the point of nausea. My little garnet-and-gold lawn ornaments pale in comparison to the red and black Bulldog-themed infestation that covers metro Atlanta—and most of the state—come September. Despite this, I firmly believe that Georgia can take down Alabama this Saturday, and here is why.

Both rosters are laden with talent, yet UGA may triumph. Mark Richt must make in-game adjustments, something he has struggled with in the past. However, UGA has the country’s 13th-ranked defense led by Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins. Together both players have a combined 10 tackles for a loss and five sacks. They have allowed opponents only five red-zone touchdown conversions. RB Nick Chubb is a man-child, frankly. With 12 straight games of over 100 yards, Chubb has tied the legendary Herschel Walker’s indomitable record. Chubb is now fifth in the nation with 599 rushing yards and seven TDs. QB Greyson Lambert is on fire, as his 96 percent passing record against Southern set a new NCAA record.

This is not to say that Alabama will be a pushover. Nick Saban is a redoubtable coach with a knack for recruiting talent. This will be a close game. Nonetheless, Saban himself has admitted that his offense lacks a definitive identity. Gone is the power running game that marked Alabama’s offense in the past. Their new pass-heavy approach will be an issue as the Tide’s QB position remains unresolved. Both Cooper Bateman and Jake Coker are switching off the driver’s seat at Alabama and the offense is suffering from a lack of leadership. Neither QB has shown the raw talent that UGA’s Lambert has. Coker completed only 46.7 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions. Also, the Tide’s nimble receiver Robert Foster is out with a shoulder injury, limiting the offense even further.

At the end of the day, it will come down to who wants it more. Alabama has tremendous talent without a doubt, but Georgia has heart. Come Saturday, that will make all the difference.