The SEC Championship Game has always been a game full of excitement, great teams, great players and massive implications on the national scale.
This year is no different as the third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will face off against the number one Georgia Bulldogs. If Alabama wins, both teams will most likely make the Playoffs.
However, if Georgia wins, it is almost certain that just one of the two SEC foes will be going to the Playoffs.
Needless to say, Alabama fans and SEC fans alike are rooting for the Crimson Tide to get it done in Atlanta this weekend. Yet, after a poor showing in the Iron Bowl, some SEC fans are skeptical.
Here is why those people would be wrong to be skeptical and to count Alabama out of this matchup.
Anderson and To’oTo’o
Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To’oTo’o are leading an Alabama defense that has really come into its own this year. Pete Goulding was criticized a lot for this side of the ball last year and early this year.
Goulding has managed to turn things around with the help of arguably the two best linebackers in the nation and a defensive line that has stepped up big time. On the defensive side of the ball this year the Tide have 43 sacks on the season which accounted for 267 total loss of yardage.
That is an average of just over six yards lost for opposing quarterbacks when they are sacked by the Crimson Tide. Anderson himself has 14.5 sacks credited to his name this season and is looking for more against Stetson Bennett and Georgia.
The two Tide linebackers have a total of 178 tackles between the two of them. Basically, these two fly around the field and to the ball.
Offensive line play
Since Nick Saban first got to Alabama, he has been recruiting from the offensive line out as most truly great coaches do. That has not changed despite what people are saying when they criticize Alabama’s offense this year.
While the line is definitely weak on the offensive side of the ball, the position has played pretty well down the stretch. The Tide have been able to average four yards per carry even while in a division as tough as the SEC West.
The only criticism about this unit is that their pass-blocking leaves a bit to be desired. Bryce Young may have many different ranges of pockets from a strong-hold to a crumbling cookie.
Alabama has had to try to replace nearly a full offensive line unit. That obviously meant there would be some growing pains this year from that position group after some special players like Landon Dickerson and more moved on to the next level last year.
Georgia’s defensive line is led by Jordan Davis and Travon Walker, who are both menaces for opposing offensive lines. Davis even had some Heisman buzz around his name at one point this season.
Alabama’s offensive line has to hold these two off, as well as the rest of Georgia’s talented defense.
Help out Bryce Young
Young has been an excellent quarterback for Alabama this year delivering on-time and on-target throws for big yards.
The young signal-caller has so much poise in the pocket every time he drops back, and that may be a testament to the people around him as well. Jameson Williams, for instance, is probably the best receiver in the nation, right now.
The Iron Bowl was a different type of game for Young, though, and like we discussed earlier the offensive line in front of him had some struggles.
Auburn’s defense was able to sack Young seven times in that game to go along with seven pass-deflections. To put it simply, Georgia’s defense is much better than Auburn’s. So the best way to avoid a worse performance or getting your quarterback sack is the Tide coaching staff helping him out.
Saban needs to go Tua-style with Young this week. Quick slants, outside screens and maybe only one or two deep shots a quarter. This is a game that you do not want to leave him in the pocket for too long.
This Georgia defense may be one of the best since the 2011-2012 Alabama defense under Kirby Smart. Be prepared to see a quick passing game next to a heavy rushing attack. The only issue Saban has faced with trying to ground-and-pound the ball is the injury bug.
Alabama is likely without their two leading running backs. Roydell Williams is out for the season, and Brian Robinson Jr. is a game time decision, according to Saban. Even if Robinson is able to compete, it would most likely be in a limited role save for critical downs.
If Alabama can do these things then they have a chance at the upset against the East Division champions.
We know Alabama’s defense will show up to play, and give Georgia fits today. However, the key to this game is going to be all about how the Tide offense looks. Offensive line play, and taking some pressure off of Young, are going to be key factors in this game for Alabama.
The SEC Championship kicks off today at 3:00 p.m. CST from Atlanta Georgia.
Hayden Crigler is a contributing college football and college basketball writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him through email: Hayden@yellowhammernews.com or on Twitter: @hayden_crigler.
