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Georgia receiver Terry Godwin (5) during the Bulldogs’ game with ULM at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. (Photo by John Kelley)
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This is one of the most eagerly awaited showdowns of the college football season. Alabama has to have it if the Crimson Tide is to have any realistic chance to return to Atlanta for a second straight Southeastern Conference Championship Game. This starts a tough stretch for Bama, including a trip to Texas A&M and a visit from Tennessee. It is the first in a brutal stretch for Georgia, as Bama, a visit to the Volunteers, Mizzou and the Halloween Cocktail Party comprise a rigorous month of October.
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1. Full Game Fervor
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Sanford Stadium will be at a fever pitch when the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide kick off Saturday afternoon at 3:30. Teams and fans feed off of one another, and Georgia is going to need the crowd rocking for the entire game, especially when things go Alabama’s way. The Sanford throng will serve as a quick pick-me-up. The stadium was on fire for Georgia’s run-away 52-20 victory over Steve Spurrier and South Carolina. It figures to be even louder and more raucous for Nick Saban and the defending Southeastern Conference champion Crimson Tide, who try and avoid a 0-2 start in the league.
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2. Don’t Drown in the Hype
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This goes for the fans and players. It is something during the week that can cause problems on Saturday. The hype of this game is super intense, and it can be possible for teams or players to drown in the spotlight, losing focus of what is most important – playing well on Saturday. I think back to 2008 and the infamous blackout game. More energy seemed to be put into what the team and everyone was wearing as opposed to the game itself. This is a huge game, with big implications, no doubt about it. But the one the following Saturday is too. It’s a fine line embracing excitement, and not being overwhelmed by it. Championship teams find a way to masterfully walk that tightrope.
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3. Guys Being Guys
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In big games, it often comes down to which team’s best players have the best games. In Georgia’s 13-10 victory over South Carolina in 1980, Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers had a great game for the Gamecocks. Future Heisman Trophy winner (and should have been Heisman recipient that year) Herschel Walker had a better game and the Bulldogs won. So for Georgia, while it will take a complete team effort, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Malcolm Mitchell, Leonard Floyd, Lorenzo Carter, Jordan Jenkins, Dominick Sanders, Chris Mayes and that gritty offensive line have to show the way. And wouldn’t there be some good karma for Paul “Cub” Bryant Jr. if Jake Ganus made the game-winning play for the Bulldogs?
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4. N.O.T. – N.O.T.
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Georgia has done a great job this year coming up with Non Offensive Touchdowns. N.O.T.s can often make the difference and they certainly cause a huge momentum swing. Alabama has been masterful as producing N.O.T.s in the Nick Saban era, just completely deflating the opposition. Jeremy Pruitt, Georgia’s tremendous young defensive coordinator, cut his teeth on Saban’s staff and brought those teaching skills and techniques to Georgia. A pick-six, a fumble return, or a big play in the kicking game can make all the difference. Getting one of those, and avoiding one on the other side – you know Bama is gunning for a Greyson Lambert aerial after his record setting performance the week before last against South Carolina – could be the difference.
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5. At Least Push the Kicking Game
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It was much improved last season, but in the first two SEC games this year, it is evident that the special teams albatross is still there. Though Georgia has big play punch in the kicking game, there has once again been way too much inconsistency. It is likely that Bulldogs coach Mark Richt put extra emphasis on special teams for Bama. At least breaking even against the Crimson Tide is a must to win. If Georgia’s special teams has the breakdowns and miscues suffered against Vanderbilt and South Carolina, there are going to be some hanging heads leaving Sanford Stadium.
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Make sure to check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s latest print edition: Saban vs Richt – Only one man will be smiling after this one, digital issue available for free online click HERE.
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