Georgia football has had their way with Alabama so far in the SEC Championship game as they lead the Crimson tide 14-0 at the break. While pretty much everything has gone right for the Bulldogs so far, there are three things in particular that have stood out the most.
1. Gunner Stockton is bouncing back
Gunner Stockton is coming into his own during Saturday's game against Alabama. After a disappointing showing last weekend against Georgia Tech, Stockton has already shown that he can play a lot better.
In the first half, Stockton completed 12 of 17 passes for 80 passing yards and two tocuhdowns with a 148.9 rating. Stockton has been playing very poised and has been extremely accurate with his passes during the first half. He has also been using his legs a lot, running the ball seven times for 32 yards and showing off that athleticism with the QB power plays.
Georgia fans have to love the way Stockton has bounced back after his performance last weekend. He has shown a lot of resilience and competitive fire in this game that anyone would want to see their quarterback play with.
2. Defense trend of playing hot continues
Georgia’s defense has once again continued their trend of shutting down teams in the first half and making them one dimensional. The Bulldogs have shut down Alabama’s abiltiy to run the football so far in the first half. Georgia has been suffocating all the run gaps that Alabama has been trying to fill and it just hasn’t been working for them. UGA has allowed only 17 rushing yards on 1.9 yards per carry.
They have also allowed 53 yards throguh the air along with one turnover which was provided by senior cornerback Daylen Everette. Georgia has been insufferable with their man coverage as well. They haven’t allowed a whole lot of big plays and they just have to contain Ryan WIlliams who has 2 reception for 33 receiving yards.
If Georgia wants to come away with this game, they need to keep rattling Ty Simpson and keep him pressured whenever he drops back. Georgia has done a good job in man coverage and blitzes but they may have to dial it up a bit more if they want to win this game by a wide margin.
3. Overall dominance
Glenn Schumann clearly had the Georgia defense ready to play as they have been brilliantly so far in the first half against Alabama. They are punching them right in the mouth and telling Alabama that they are not backing down especially at the line of scrimmage. Georgia has held Alabama to 1.9 rushing yards per carry and have forced them to be one dimensional ever since the first drive. Georgia’s defense has preached over and over that they need to stop the run all season long, and it came into fruition in this half.
Also, the entire offense has to give themselves a pat on the back for the way that they have played in this game as well. They have been manhandling this Alabama squad as they have recorded 168 total yards of offense, having 88 rushing yards and 80 passing yards.
Georgia will need to play another great half if they want to win, but the SEC Championship is theres to win so now they have to go out and get it.