Between two evenly matched football teams, no game is ever simple. While Alabama and Georgia are having a cage match on Saturday night, a chess match will be played simultaneously. Both the physical and mental components will be intriguing.
If forced to describe the contest narrowly, 'run and stop the run' would suffice. While that might be one major factor, in no way will it be the only one. Alabama beat Georgia last Fall, averaging only 2.92 yards from its two running back ball carriers. The Crimson Tide used only two backs as ball carriers again in December and gained a combined 21 yards, with a 3-yard average. The Dawgs won easily. Many Crimson Tide fans blamed Ryan Grubb, who, after the Tide went down 14-0, abandoned the run game.
Maybe the 2025 offensive line getting little to no push, left Grubb with no choice. That can't be and shouldn't be the case on Saturday night. Adrian Klemm has built an offensive line better than last season. Also, the blocking from Bama's tight ends has been superb.
Are Alabama's advantages against Georgia, yes, buts?
Yes, but applies ... Alabama has not competed against a defense even close to being as good as Georgia's. Georgia has played a weak schedule. Perhaps the Dawgs' defense isn't one of Kirby's best. They are better than just good. ESPN's FPI ranks Georgia's Defensive Efficiency at No. 11 among all FBS teams.
Brian Fremeau's FEI Defensive Yards Per Play model, adjusted for non-garbage plays, ranks Georgia at No. 3 and Alabama at No. 45. This stat is not opponent-adjusted beyond tracking only FBS vs. FBS games. Based on the FPI model, Kentucky has been the Crimson Tide's opponent with the most efficient overall defense. The Wildcats are ranked No. 31.
The Bulldogs are a different animal than Kentucky. Ryan Grubb has no doubt learned from Georgia games last season. Perhaps the Crimson Tide could beat Georgia with last September's rushing stats. More likely, not. If the Crimson Tide can run the ball effectively, Georgia's defense will be hard-pressed to keep up.
Containing Georgia's rushing attack is another necessity. Nate Frazier is believed to be near100% for Georgia. The Dawgs will miss running back Chauncey Bowers. Bowers is recognized for short-yardage success, but he did more than that against Alabama last September. He rushed for 99 yards on just 12 carries. In last season's games, the Bulldogs rushed for 368 yards against Alabama.
This week, Josh Pate and Kirk Herbstreit have discussed Alabama as a top national championship favorite. If the Crimson Tide can run and stop the run against the Bulldogs, others will agree.
Note: Game stats provided by Sports Reference
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