The Georgia Bulldogs (5-0)will be traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) this weekend in a primetime matchup. The Bulldogs have looked tremendous in the first five games but the question still remains. Can Georgia still dominate against the most all-around team they have faced yet, in a strong Alabama team? If you take a look at what the Bulldogs bring to the table from offense to defense, they certainly can play dominant football but they need to execute at a high level on a consistent basis throughout the game.
As for Alabama, the story is pretty much the same. Although the Crimson Tide has faced a tougher schedule, their toughest and most all-around opponent will be the Georgia Bulldogs. Alabama has a ton of talent
across the field that can certainly compete with the Bulldogs and they have proven so far this season to be a major force in college football.
The Georgia Bulldogs are currently leading the country in scoring and right behind them are the Crimson Tide. Something will have to give on Saturday. Let's look at three reasons Georgia will be the team that could slow down Alabama's momentum.
Three reasons why Georgia will defeat Alabama
The Bulldogs will establish the running game early
The Georgia Bulldogs will get into rhythm with the run game early on in the contest with doses of Nate Frazier who looks to be getting back into the groove of things. Chancy Bowens has been impactful in the absence of Nate Frazier. However, Bowens has been ruled out of the Alabama game due to an injury he suffered against Vanderbilt.
Dwight Phillips Jr. has been outstanding when he gets his carries. You can throw Bo Walker in the mix with some of his production as well. Even with potential rain weather coming in, the Bulldogs wouldn't mind looking to the ground game for production if needed.
Gunner Stockton will be a force through the air
Gunner Stockton has proven all season that going down field isn't an issue when his number is called to do so. Stockton can utilize his tight ends who are mismatches for anyone's defense. Stockton can also spread the ball around to the playmakers at wide receiver. Lastly, the Bulldogs backfield can hit the flats and make plays in the receiving game. However, it could be the explosive downfield plays that could make the difference in this contest.
Stockton has notably improved this season.
Georgia's has the trenches edge on both sides of the ball
Both Alabama and Georgia are known for its strength in the trenches. Looking at both teams, they are excellent all-around on both sides of the ball. Georgia should be able to pressure defensively with their linebackers awaiting any breakthroughs by an ultra-talented Keelon Russell and his athletic ability. Stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback will be key and Georgia should be able to do enough of that.
Georgia has the No. 1 run defense in the SEC at 57.4 yards per game. Alabama isn't bad and allows 78.6 yards per game.
The Bulldogs should be able to get the best of their offensive line especially when working to establish the run game. The Georgia offensive line should be able to get some push and make those hard yards count. Afterall, it is a game of inches.
The Bulldogs have a better run offense than Alabama. Georgia averages 213.0 rushing yards per game while Alabama averages 186.4 rushing yards per game. Running the ball is going to be huge considering the likely weather conditions.
Kickoff of the Georgia-Alabama game will be Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (televised on ABC).
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Three reasons why Georgia will win vs. Alabama football
