Alabama Football: Defensive question marks heading into SECCG?

If it wants to defeat Georgia and win the SEC Championship game, Alabama Football will need a stout defensive performance.

Over the past two years, the two teams have swapped identities in a lot of ways, and the formerly stagnant Bulldogs’ offense is one of the best in the nation in 2023. Georgia ranks in the top-10 in the country in several metrics, including passing yardage, total offense, and scoring offense.

This won’t be the first rodeo for the Alabama defense, however. Statistically, Georgia won’t even be the best offense Bama has seen to this point. LSU is first in the nation in total offense and scoring offense, and is in the top-10 in both passing and rushing offense. Additionally, Jayden Daniels running ability makes the LSU offense far more dynamic and difficult to defend than the traditional, pro-style approach that Georgia will take.

Regardless, there are some concerns that the Georgia offense presents based on the recent performances of the Alabama defense. The Crimson Tide has shown some vulnerabilities against the run when inside linebacker Deontae Lawson is not 100 percent, and Lawson is still dealing with a lower body injury. He was essentially a non-factor against Auburn’s zone-read rushing attack, which racked up 244 yards on the ground (season-high for Alabama opponents).

Georgia’s run game is a little more predictable, given the Bulldogs’ limited use of quarterback Carson Beck as a runner. Still, UGA will utilize players like receiver Dillon Bell and tight end Brock Bowers on unconventional running plays, and Beck isn’t exactly a statue in the pocket.

Alabama Football not being at full strength could be a concern in this game, especially considering the matchup issues that Georgia can present. While Georgia is not the best offense on paper and will not be as explosive as LSU, it is easily the most balanced unit Alabama has faced so far. The Bulldogs deploy a lot of equally dangerous weapons, stay ahead of the sticks, and play mistake-free football.

Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will look for mismatches to exploit. A hobbled Deontae Lawson and safety Jaylen Key, who has also dealt with injury problems, could be targets. Their backups, linebacker Trezmen Marshall and safety Kristian Story, could also be schemed into unfavorable matchups in pass coverage.

This game between Alabama Football and Georgia will be a high-level chess match both ways, and both teams are dealing with significant injuries at key positions. Will Mike Bobo or Kevin Steele enter this game with a superior game plan, and which coordinator will be able to capitalize on the mistakes of their counterparts? It will likely determine the outcome of the game.