Happy Thursday, everyone. The Georgia game is only two days away, and initial injury reports have dropped.
The Crimson Tide listed tight end Danny Lewis Jr. and defensive lineman Tim Keenan III as probable.
Meanwhile, Alabama labeled linebacker Jah-Marien Latham and defensive lineman Jeremiah Beaman as out.
Running back Jam Miller, who has been out with a dislocated collarbone, was not listed on the availability report. He is expected to play, per coach Kalen DeBoer.
For Georgia, offensive lineman Earnest Greene II is listed as doubtful. Meanwhile, three players are labeled as out: tight end Ethan Barbour, offensive lineman Malachi Toliver and receiver Thomas Blackshear.
Kalen DeBoer noted that he has been texting with Latham, and said that he is doing well after a scary injury.Jah is the designated run stuffer in the Wolf rotation, where Qua Russaw and Yhonzae Pierre will look to pick up the slack. Besides Miller, it’s good to see that LT Overton is not carrying a designation after leaving the Wisconsin game injured. Getting pressure on Georgia QB Gunner Stockton against a banged up offensive line will be critical.
Will weather be a factor in the game?
Kickoff against the Bulldogs could also bring another element to Sanford Stadium Saturday, Sept. 27.
According to the National Weather Service Wednesday, Sept. 24, Athens, Georgia has a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday with highs reaching 80 degrees.
By kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT, shower and thunderstorm chances lessen to 20% before 2 a.m. with partly cloudy conditions and a low around 64 degrees.
Per usual for a Wednesday, DeBoer spoke on both the SEC coaches’ teleconference and his weekly radio show. Some of the highlights:
— DeBoer on the Smart defense and what stands out: “It’s how hard they play. They’re flying around. That’s the way their team plays.” … “They keep the ball in front of them. For the most part just living to see another down and make you play another snap.”
— DeBoer on the return of Jam Miller and Tim Keenan III: “It’s really good to have them back on the football field, the vibe that surrounds them.”
— A guy named Jake in person asks about the vocal leaders and guys who lead by example: “I think there’s a whole team of guys who lead by example.” … On the vocal guys: “Tim Keenan, he’s one of the most vocal guys on the football team.” … “One guy who’s really stepped up a lot is our QB. Really proud of how Ty has become more vocal … It’s real genuine. It’s heartfelt. The way he talks. The appropriate times.”
A caller named Colton mentioned how DeBoer has a better record when he’s wearing his black hoodie. So, will that be what DeBoer wears for the Georgia game?
It led to some chuckles at Baumhower’s Victory Grille.
“A couple players have made me aware of that,” DeBoer said. “And my family. My daughters.”
So, will DeBoer remain in the black hoodie?
‘We’re wearing white,” DeBoer said. “I definitely won’t be wearing white. I’ll wear a contrasting color. Not to leave the suspense. But more than likely with it being a night game and everything, yeah, it will probably be that. I’m not trying to be suspenseful here.”
“I had nothing to do with anything,” DeBoer said. “Get told the schedule pretty much when you do. And so, that’s down the road, really just focused right now on Georgia, this season.”
When asked a follow-up later in the teleconference about losing the traditional game, DeBoer pointed out that the matchup will continue to be played every other year, including in 2026.
“Those games do all go back a long time,” DeBoer said. “But from what I understand, I think we’re playing them again here soon, maybe even next year if I remember right. So just again, I’m focused on the right now.”
May black hoodie DeBoer continue his run.
Chase Goodbread notes that this is Kalen’s biggest game yet in Tuscaloosa, for perception if nothing else.
The Bulldogs are arguably the best team in the SEC. Alabama, inarguably, is not. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 in the nation, per the most recent US LBM Coaches Poll, and no doubt have had the Crimson Tide circled in red on the calendar since losing to UA a year ago. And because this game is between the Athens hedges, it also represents a chance for DeBoer to change the narrative about his lackluster road-game record at Alabama (2-4).
To be clear, a second win over Georgia in two years would not only get the Crimson Tide off to a highly impressive 1-0 start in SEC play, it would also take a pressure washer to what the Tallahassee stinker left behind. That’s not to say beating the Bulldogs would wipe away Alabama’s loss to the Seminoles entirely, because it could still, eventually, haunt the Crimson Tide’s playoff résumé. But from a perception standpoint, leaving Athens with a win would counteract doubts about DeBoer in a way that wins over ULM and Wisconsin never could.
I don’t know if Alabama is in this Georgia team’s heads, but they are definitely in Aaron Murray’s.
Murray recalled his own experiences as a recruit when Alabama spoiled Georgia’s “blackout” game in Athens, saying that moment felt like the start of the Tide’s sustained dominance. He admitted he feels less confident about Georgia at home this week than he did last year on the road in Tuscaloosa.
“Georgia has to find a way to beat Alabama. You’re at home. We know Kirby kicks butt in Sanford Stadium. Georgia does not lose between the hedges. This is your opportunity to make a major statement,” Murray said.
He also noted concerns about both teams, citing Alabama’s recent offensive spark with Ty Simpson and Georgia’s defensive struggles in the secondary. Still, Murray argued that a victory Saturday could ease Georgia’s path through its remaining home schedule, where Texas and Ole Miss await later in the season.
Last, Georgia will be pulling out all the stops in effort to get the home crowd juiced.
Fans will be given a bracelet when entering the stadium, Thomas told David Johnston and Logan Booker on 960 The Ref’s morning show, and will be part of the gameday atmosphere for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
“Fireworks are ready, and we’re going to work on something else this week that will tie back into the lights when the lights go out and some music things tied to it, so it should be fun,” he said. “So get there, be very accepting of what you’re going to be handed when you walk in that door because you will be part of the show.”Fans have been lighting up Sanford Stadium, a newer tradition started a decade ago by a member of the UGA Redcoat Marching Band, by holding their cellphone flashlights in the air as the band plays ‘Krypton’ to begin the fourth quarter.
That environment was going to be crazy anyway.
That’s about it for now. Have a great day.
Roll Tide.
