In one of the biggest games of the regular season, No. 6 Alabama will host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.
In any big game, you need guys outside of your "stars" who step up and make significant impacts. Obviously, Keelon Russell's performance against Georgia will loom large. If he plays well and takes care of the football, Alabama will be difficult to beat.
But he'll need some help. Perhaps from some guys you may not expect.
Let's take a look at four players who could play a critical role for the Crimson Tide this weekend against the Bulldogs.
1. EJ Crowell
Star Tide freshman EJ Crowell's usage has been a topic of conversation among Alabama fans this week after he received only three carries against Mississippi State. Ryan Grubb talked about it on Monday: Crowell is still learning and doesn't yet have a full grasp of his offensive responsibilities.
But when he does get the football, he's one of Alabama's most dynamic playmakers. He leads the team with a staggering 7.8 yards per carry. He has produced a run of 29+ yards in three consecutive games, including a jaw-dropping 37-yarder last week against Mississippi State that included three broken tackles.
Against a Georgia team that will be difficult to run on, Alabama will need Crowell's ability to break tackles and maintain his balance through contact in order to stay on schedule offensively.
He won't get 20 touches, but I'm expecting him to get at least 10.
2. Jay Lindsey
Jay Lindsey may technically be TE5 in Alabama's pecking order behind Kaleb Edwards, Marshall Pritchett, Josh Ford, and Danny Lewis Jr., but it speaks to how much Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb are using the tight ends that Lindsey has had a significant role this year.
He actually started the game against Mississippi State last week, lined up as the fullback in the I-formation for the Tide's first offensive snap. He could see his role expand against Georgia, particularly with a rumored injury to Ford, who should be considered questionable at best for this weekend. We'll know more when Alabama's availability report is released tonight.
If Ford is out, or compromised, then Lindsey's ability as a blocker will be even more useful against Georgia.
3. Noah Rogers
This could be the week that NC State transfer Noah Rogers sees his role expand. He's caught three passes for 55 yards across his first two games, but didn't see playing time until the game was well in hand in Starkville.
But Alabama will need to stretch the field against Georgia's defense. Lotzeir Brooks will be able to do that, but Ryan Coleman-Williams' ability to do so may be a bit compromised as he deals with a knee injury. He was in a bulky brace last week against Mississippi State.
Rogers may be able to help there. He's got the size and speed to be a deep vertical threat for the Crimson Tide, which could come in handy this week, especially if Coleman-Williams is far under 100%.
4. Xavier Griffin
5-star freshman LB Xavier Griffin put his stamp on last week's game against Mississippi State. He took advantage of his expanded role, leading Alabama with nine tackles and finishing with his first career sack. He actually got home on Kamario Taylor twice last week, recording half a sack on both occasions.
He'll have the chance to be a major factor against Georgia, too, with both Justin Hill and Desmond Umeozulu still out. He'll get edge reps, but he'll also continue to see increased playing time at off-ball LB, where he continues to ramp up.
With Gunner Stockton's escapability and legs potentially being a factor, Griffin could be utilized as a spy again with the chance to go make some plays when Stockton starts to move around.
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