Crimson Tide To Watch: 2023 SEC Championship Game

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Crimson Tide To Watch: 2023 SEC Championship Game

Kevin Steele (DC) – It feels weird saying that Alabama’s coaching staff is probably going to have a harder time prepping for Georgia’s offense rather than its defense, but that’s just the world we live in. Admittedly, Alabama already has the second-best scoring defense in the SEC (right after first-place Georgia), so it’s not like they’re going to have to undergo any wild changes. However, with the way Mike Bobo, Carson Beck, and the rest of the offense have been performing, it should worry the Tide a little bit. Compared to the two national championship-winning seasons prior, this year, Georgia’s focus looks like it’s not just on offense first but passing first. It’ll be interesting to see what Kevin Steele and company do to try and mitigate that part of Georgia’s game.

‌Jermaine Burton (WR #3) – Jeremain Burton doesn’t need much introduction among the Bulldog faithful. It wasn’t too long ago that he wore the Red and Black himself, and although transferring to Alabama may not have amounted to everything he thought it would be, it’s certainly paying off now. The Tide do a good job spreading the wealth among their receivers, but Burton has managed to stand out, leading the pack with 749 yards on the season and regularly putting his explosiveness on display, averaging 22.7 yards per catch.

 

 

 

 

‌Jase McClellan (RB #2) – Statistically, McClelan’s numbers closely align with Georgia’s senior tailback Daijun Edwards. Both have surpassed 150 rush attempts this season and have run for about 800 yards. Edwards may have the upper hand when it comes to breaking runs, but that’s neither here nor there. The fact is that Alabama is going to lean on their running game, and therefore McClellan is bound to see significant touches. Alabama is a team with a similar philosophy to Georgia’s when it comes to running the ball. Both sides are coming into this matchup wanting to impose their will on the ground.

‌Jalen Milroe (QB #4) – Setting aside his rough start to the season, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has proven that he is a difference-maker for the Crimson Tide. This holds especially true after the Iron Bowl, where he threw a touchdown pass to the back corner of the end zone from fourth and goal, backed up 31 yards out. Milroe is also the team’s third-leading rusher with 439 yards to his name this year and 12 rushing touchdowns to add on top of that. Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, he will be a threat as the Dawgs prepare for the most talented quarterback they’ve faced all season.

‌Caleb Downs (S #2) – A true freshman starting in the SEC is always an impressive feat, but a true freshman starting in the SEC and putting up SEC-leading numbers is not something you see every day. Former five-star recruit Caleb Downs is proving to be something special in this league, having amassed 95 tackles and a pair of interceptions so far this season. Those 95 are the fourth most in the SEC and also the highest number among the Tide’s defenders (Alabama’s next leading tackler has 61). Whenever the Tide is on defense, it’s safe to bet that Downs is making the play.

 

 

 

 

‌Justin Eboigbe (DL #92) – A redshirt senior and Georgia native, Justin Eboigbe is a guy who’s waited his turn — not something you see too often in the NIL era. His patience has clearly paid off, as he is now a key cog in the machine that is the Alabama defense, being a top-four tackler on the team from the defensive line position. Eboigbe has 56 stops on the season, and what’s just as impressive are the six sacks included in that total. If given a one-on-one opportunity, Eboigbe will look to use his 6-5, 300-pound frame to win with physicality.

‌Dallas Turner (LB #15) – When it comes to Alabama edge rushers, you just have to pick your poison because both Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell have put up eight sacks this season. However, you just can’t beat the talent that Turner brings to the table. It’s not every day you see a player get significant playing time throughout his college career, but Turner is just that guy. In addition to getting to the quarterback, Turner serves as a fine option at linebacker with 46 tackles on the season. His matchup against Georgia’s Amarius Mims is going to be a battle you’ll want to watch — athlete on athlete. You can’t beat that.

 

 

 

 

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