The chase for the College Football Playoff will conclude with the final rankings this Sunday. Before that is one final weekend of play to determine who is in and who is out. One game this weekend that has an early playoff feel is the SEC Championship game between the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0) and the #4 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1). This will be a rematch of the 2018 National Championship game where the Tide beat the Bulldogs 26-23 in overtime with a 43-yard touchdown pass from QB Tua Tagovailoa. Since that game, the Crimson Tide have been rebranded as one of the most dominating teams to ever play. The Crimson Tide are not without flaws as the Bulldogs have the tools on offense and defense to beat them. Alabama gets a rematch against Georgia in the SEC Championship.<\/p>\n
Throughout the season, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa<\/a> has been wowing the nation with his explosive and consistent play making ability. Tagovailoa has passed for 189 completions (out of 269 attempts) for 3,189 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. He has been so patient in his passes as he spreads the ball throughout the field to different receivers. The Tide is ranked 6th<\/sup> in passing offense (332.1 yards per game), 4th<\/sup> in total offense (578 yards per game), and 2nd<\/sup> in points per game (49). Tagovailoa has thrown to four different receivers who have accounted for 35 or more receptions. His star receiver Jerry Jeudy<\/strong> is a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award. He has accounted for 56 receptions for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tagovailoa, Jeudy, and the Tide\u2019s passing offense will have a tough task against this talented Bulldogs defensive backs.<\/p>\n Georgia\u2019s defense ranks 14th<\/sup> in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (128.4). CB Deandre Baker<\/strong> is one of the best defensive backs in the nation. \u00a0He is also the most talented cornerback Alabama has faced against since LSU\u2019s CB Greedy Williams<\/strong>. Baker has accounted for 37 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 9 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Baker will likely be matched up against Jeudy or Alabama\u2019s speedy freshman receiver in Jaylen Waddle.<\/strong> If given the right opportunity through play action or wearing down the defense, Tagovailoa could target Baker. Tagovailoa doesn\u2019t have to force his throws in as he picks the best open receiver with the best opportunity to run for more yards. While his arm is dangerous, it is where Tagovailoa leads the ball directly to his receivers with huge separation with the opposing defensive back.<\/p>\n The offensive line for the Crimson Tide has been tremendous this season by allowing only 11 sacks (tied for 9th<\/sup> lowest in the nation). They have a tough task against this Bulldogs defense that has not been explosive but has the potential to be. This season, the Bulldogs defense is ranked tied for 99th<\/sup> in the nation in total sacks accounted for only 20. Outside linebacker D\u2019Andre Walker<\/strong> is a dangerous hybrid pass rusher has he accounted for 9 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. No other player on Georgia\u2019s defense has accounted for 2 or more sacks throughout the season. This Bulldogs defense is still efficient in penetrating the backfield and getting to the quarterback. That is why the Tide\u2019s offensive must remain vigilant and alert against Bulldogs defense that will try multiple blitzing schemes to cause disarray to Tagovailoa\u2019s passing routine.<\/p>\n Usually, Alabama will be the most talented running back scheme of two or more talented backs. This time, the Georgia Bulldogs have a great duo at running back in D\u2019Andre Swift<\/a> and Elijah Holyfield<\/a>. Depending on the scheme of the opposing defense, Bulldogs offensive coordinator Jim Chaney<\/strong> will insert either Swift or Holyfield. Swift is a fast and elusive play maker in the running game and as an extra receiver in the passing game. Swift has rushed for 962 yards and 9 touchdowns on 139 carries for an average of 6.9 yards per rush. In the passing game, Swift has accounted for 21 receptions for 204 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.7 yards. Swift is dangerous in outside runs and in the screen plays where he can get away from the defensive line. Holyfield is a big, punishing back who has accounted for 896 yards and 7 touchdowns on 133 carries.<\/p>\n Alabama defense ranks 15th<\/sup> in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (114). The defensive line for the Tide is one of the most challenging to play against. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams<\/strong> is one of the most dominating play makers with 16 tackles for loss accounted for this season. Defensive ends Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis<\/strong>, and LaBryan Ray are also very efficient in stopping the run through penetration. Linebackers Mack Wilson<\/strong> and Dylan Moses<\/strong> both have great play making abilities but can misread the play. Alabama\u2019s defense will be very successful if the linebackers have focus and play efficiently against this great Bulldogs rushing game.<\/p>\nThe Tide Offensive Line Must Be Alert Against Bulldogs Defense<\/h3>\n
Alabama Must Prepare For Two-Headed Monster At Running Back<\/h3>\n
Tide\u2019s Defense Needs To Get To The Quarterback<\/h3>\n