The Georgia Bulldogs have not had a happy history when playing Alabama in recent years. Other than the National Championship victory, the Bulldogs have faced heartbreak after heartbreak in some of college football history's most thrilling matchups.
This time however, the Crimson Tide will have to travel to play Georgia in Athens for the first time in 10 years. For things to go right this time for Georgia, a few key things must go in the Bulldogs' favor this Saturday.
Be physical: Win the line of scrimmage
Florida State exposed this element of Alabama week one. What shocked many viewers across the country was not only the final score, but how Alabama was dominated on the offensive and defensive line. Alabama allowed a shocking 230 yards rushing and 4.7 yards per carry while only gaining 87 yards with three yards per carry on offense.
Georgia must expose this weakness in the Crimson Tide on Saturday. Georgia has had no problem running the football this season, running the ball 55 times in their most recent thriller against Tennessee in Knoxville. On both sides of the ball, Georgia needs to be dominant on the line of scrimmage. It is something Kirby Smart has preached ever since he arrived in Athens, so don’t expect things to be any different against Alabama.
Play Georgia football
Georgia needs to stay true to their normal ways on Saturday. They need to not get fancy and just play a Georgia brand of football.
On offense, run the ball and be stubborn to allow the play action passes to get open and create holes for Gunner Stockton to take off and run in. The defense needs to focus on stopping the run first and be able to do that in basic four-man rushes. If Georgia can stuff Alabama's run game rushing four men or less, the defense is in a great spot to succeed.
The coaching staff also needs to allow the team on both sides of the ball to play as they would any other game. The crowd will be on the Bulldogs' side, so feed off of it and play the style of football that has brought UGA so much success.
Force Alabama's offense to be one-dimensional
Georgia's main priority on defense should be to make Alabama have no choice but to play fast and throw the ball. Alabama is most comfortable when they can run the ball consistently and run short RPOs, similarly to Georgia. However, if Georgia is able to control the ball on offense and the defense is stuffing the ground attack, Alabama will be forced to play in a style they aren't comfortable in.
Athens will be roaring and Alabama will make mistakes. If Georgia can force them to have to play up-tempo and throw the football, it could be a long night for the Crimson Tide.