Revealing key to Alabama slowing down Georgia’s offense

Alabama will look to unseat Georgia from atop the SEC’s throne this weekend and claim its ninth conference title under Nick Saban’s guide.

That’s easier said than done, which is why On3’s Andy Staples brought in DawgHQ’s Jake Rowe to explain which of the Bulldogs’ weaknesses the Crimson Tide must exploit if they want to overcome almighty Georgia.

“I think it starts with pass rush — Dallas Turner, Chris Braswell, Justin Eboigbe,” Rowe told Staples. “You’re talking about 33.5 tackles for loss there. Somewhere in the neighborhood of about 20 sacks, Georgia is a tremendous pass protection team. Look at Georgia’s past 27 games, they’ve given up a grand total of 19 sacks. There are teams who gave that up in eight games, or five games.

“So, Georgia does protect the passer well, but I think it also comes down to complimentary offense from down to down. Stay ahead of the chains, not that Georgia has to or it’s doomed, they’re plenty good enough offense to overcome 2nd & 10, as they’re one of the best third-down offices in the country.”

Turner in particular has been one of the most prolific pass rushers in the nation logging 44 quarterback pressures resulting in a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss to go alongside eight sacks. His efforts have awarded him as a Bednarik Award finalist ahead of Saturday’s SEC Championship game.

Braswell, who joins Turner at the linebacker position, has also made his presence felt in the Tide’s front seven having contributed 40 total tackles and tying Turner for the team-high in sacks with eight. He also has a pick-six and three forced fumbles to his credit as well while Eboigbe has anchored down the front with a whopping 56 tackles while racking up six sacks by himself, too.

Of course, Georgia’s success in the trenches has turned the Bulldogs into one of the conference’s most productive offenses. Ranking second in total offense in the SEC behind an LSU team led by Heisman Trophy contender Jayden Daniels, Georgia averages 496.4 yards per game.

Alabama’s defense is going to have their hands full, but their offense is going to have to match that same production if the Crimson Tide expect to outlast the Bulldogs. Alabama’s offense averages 409.1 yards per game in comparison, and more will be needed out of Jalen Milroe and company if Alabama wants to find themselves back at the summit of college football.