Protect Gunner Stockton
Vanderbilt’s defense gave Georgia a preview of what happens when opponents can consistently pressure Gunner Stockton. Their next opponent, Alabama, will present a much bigger challenge. The Commodores’ defense pressured Stockton.; however, he escaped and didn’t lose yards, the Dawgs need a clean pocket for him to perform against the Tide. The offensive line needs to step up against Bama and make sure Stockton controls the game, not Alabama’s pass rush.
Control the game early
In all of the Dawgs’ losses to Alabama in the past five years, they were trailing at the half. The Dawgs need to establish the tempo, move the ball effectively, and consistently stop an exceptional Alabama defense in the first half of the game. They cannot spend the first half trying to figure Alabama out; they need to prove themselves from the opening kickoff. Georgia has the talent to dictate the game, but it has to be done early. If the Bulldogs can make Alabama play from behind instead of allowing them to build confidence, Georgia can take control of the night before the game ever has a chance to get away from it.
Third-down defense
Although Georgia’s defense has been looking elite thus far in the season, many players and coaches called the performance against Vanderbilt a “hiccup.” Head coach Kirby Smart knows that his defense must be elite to defeat the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Despite pushing the Commodores to multiple third-and-long situations, Vanderbilt was still able to convert five of their nine third downs in the first half. The Dawgs have to limit Alabama on early downs and prevent explosive plays. Third-and-long situations are only great if they can finish it and force a punt.
Block outside noise
The Georgia Bulldogs playing in Bryant-Denny Stadium is yet again one of the biggest games of that season. This year, with both teams looking exceptionally ready for each other, the outside noise can be brutal. The Dawgs need to play like they are home on Dooley Field. The Bulldogs cannot let the environment become part of the game. Georgia needs to play fast, stay composed and treat the noise as background rather than a factor. If the Bulldogs can make Alabama’s crowd quiet, the pressure will shift to the Crimson Tide.
Pressure Keelon Russell
Many talk about how this is Georgia’s first challenge of the season, but it is for the Tide too, and many don’t know how sophomore Keelon Russell will react to the best defense in the country. Against Vanderbilt, Georgia was able to apply pressure time and time again to quarterback Blaze Berlowitz, which is what needs to happen to Russell. Although he has shown elite ability to escape pressure, it has not been up against a truly elite team. Georgia’s defense needs to make Russell scramble and force him into last-minute decisions.
