Everyone is trying to figure out what the biggest factor will be in determining the winner in Tuscaloosa Saturday night. For me the answer is simple and that is the Alabama defense.
The Alabama defense shows up for the whole game like we've seen in spurts throughout the first three weeks in the season, Alabama will win the game. On the other side if the defense doesn't show up and show out on Saturday night then Georgia will walk out of Bryant-Denny Stadium as the winner.
This is the first huge game for Kane Wommack and his swarm system and the opinion on his system will be swayed heavily by the results of his defense. There is plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball especially on the 2nd level at the linebacker position.
For the swarm defense to work effectively it is crucial for every person on the field to do their individual job. When everyone does what they are supposed to do on a play then the rewards of the swarm are reaped by the defensive players. There may not be a defensive scheme where it is more crucial for everyone to not only do what they are supposed to but be in the right position.
When you play a talented team like Georgia led by arguably the best coach in college football you can't make many mistakes or it will be a long day and even though the Georgia fanbase is often very critical of Mike Bobo he is a very effective coordinator and will have things dialed up and ready when opportunities present themselves.
The most obvious but easier said than done factor will be getting Georgia off the field on third down. How will Alabama be able to do that? The first thing will be stopping the Georgia running game. We can't give up 5 and 6 yard chunks on the ground.
If there has been a gripe of mine for this defense to this point in the season is struggling against the run at times. If the defense is only giving up one or two yards on first and second down it will force Georgia into third and long situations.
Carson Beck is one of the most talented QBs in America, but even for him third and long is going to be more difficult. Georgia still has a very talented receiving core but in third and long situations aren't as scary without Bowers and McConkey. Also, third and long allows for more effective pass rushing and getting hit enough will even effect a QB like Beck.
To play off this in passing situations it is crucial that Dominic Lovett or Arian Smith aren't getting behind the Alabama corners. We saw this happen a few times against USF and even Wisconsin, but there the QB didn't have the arm or abilility to find the wide open receiver. On Saturday night that won't be the case because if any Georgia receiver is wide open behind the secondary, Carson won't miss his man.
Some of our key secondary guys are young and this game will give them trial by fire, but I'm sure that point has been harped on them through the bye week and this week through game preparation. Also, it is very important to not allow the Georgia Tight Ends to get busy. They are a staple in Bobo's offense and are known to do as much damage if not more than the wide receivers.
The other key factor will be when Alabama does give up plays and Georgia gets into the redzone the key will be to hold the Dawgs to three points. In certain situations giving up only three will be almost as big a win as getting them to punt the ball.
Also, though not as likely, a FG attempt could lead to a block or a missed kick. Nothing jacks up a defensive unit than when they stop points from being put on the board when it looks likely. As long as the Tide defensive unit is able to accomplish the points above a majority of the night this team will win.
The offense is talented enough to score points against anyone including Georgia, but they are dependent upon the defense to set the tone for the game. Nothing gets an offense going more than knowing not many points are going to be given up. Also, a great defensive effort Saturday will set the tone for the rest of the SEC schedule for Alabama.