Alabama is looking to capture its second SEC Championship in three years, and the first under Kalen DeBoer. To do so, the Crimson Tide will have to beat Georgia for the second time this season.
At the end of September, Alabama went on the road and knocked off Kirby Smart's Bulldogs in a game that proved to be the turning point in the Tide's season. It was then that Alabama shook off any leftover embarrassment from losing to Florida State in the opener and proved that it was one of the best teams in the country.
A shaky November that included a close win over Auburn, an 11-point win over LSU, and a loss to Oklahoma, there's a lot of doubt around the country over whether this team has what it takes to be a legitimate contender for the National Championship.
Even with a playoff berth likely assured, an SEC Championship would be a major accomplishment for this team and give further proof to the fact that DeBoer is the right man to lead this program into the future.
In order to get that done, Alabama could use big performances from these players.
These Alabama players could be X-Factors in the SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia
WR Ryan Williams
Where, oh where, has Ryan Williams been? The sophomore wide receiver didn't record a catch - and wasn't even targeted - in last week's win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl. DeBoer dismissed any notion that there was anything to read into with Williams' usage, but the sophomore saw the fourth-most snaps among the Tide's WRs in the Iron Bowl. That's more notable than the fact that he didn't register a stat.
Alabama needs Williams to be the superstar he has the potential to be in order to reach its goals. He came up huge for Alabama in the win over Georgia a year ago, and caught five passes for 43 yards in Athens earlier this season. He's best remembered in that game, however, for dropping a wide-open touchdown pass on Alabama's opening drive.
What an opportunity to make up for it in Atlanta.
RB Daniel Hill
The status for starting RB Jam Miller is not yet known, but it seems doubtful, considering he was on crutches in the aftermath of the Iron Bowl, that he would be able to play this weekend against Georgia. That's unfortunate with how well Miller ran the ball against Auburn.
If he's out - and even if he plays, really - redshirt freshman Daniel Hill will play a key role for the Crimson Tide.
Along with being Alabama's featured back with Miller out, Hill could also play a pivotal role as a check-down option for Simpson, especially with TE Josh Cuevas still out with an injured foot.
With Kevin Riley also out, freshman AK Dear could see his first meaningful role in an Alabama uniform.
DL LT Overton
Alabama won't be able to win the rematch against Georgia if it gives up over 200 rushing yards again. The Bulldogs picked up 227 yards on the ground in the game in Athens, and that typically does not lead to a win for the opponent.
Alabama won in spite of it in the regular season, but shouldn't count on it again. The Tide's defensive line is going to need to step up in Atlanta, and LT Overton will be looking to replicate his big game against the Bulldogs from September.
Overton had six tackles, a tackle for loss, and half of a sack. He also came up with arguably the biggest defensive play of the game, stuffing Georgia RB Cash Jones on a 4th-and-1 in the redzone to help preserve Alabama's lead - and ultimately the win.