A touchdown run by Mark Ingram and a short field goal ahead has Alabama ahead of Georgia 10-0 at the end of one quarter. The Crimson Tide took the opening drive marched 80 yards for a touchdown. Georgia picked up a couple of first downs on screens to Mohamed Massaquoi and Knowshon Moreno on their opening possession, but could not sustain their momentum as big Alabama nose guard Terrence Cody clogged up the line of scrimmage on a middle screen pass to Moreno to help end the drive.
The Bulldogs are playing their best opponent to date and they must play their best. Once again, penalties have reared their ugly heads as Georgia came into the game leading the nation in penalties at 10.8 a game. First, Prince Miller was called for pass interference defending an Alabama receiver streaking in the end zone and then a roughing the passer penalty negated a fumble recovery that would have ended Alabama’s first drive. Defensive holding and another roughing the passer penalty help setup a Leigh Tiffin 23-yard field goal to give Alabama a 10-0 lead.
Both teams are trying to pass the ball to set up the run. So far, that strategy is working better for Alabma. Georgia will have a decision to make in continuing this strategy or try to slow the game down by running. Moreno got pretty good yardage on his only carry and the Bulldogs might be able to run on the Crimson Tide.
Butler can be reached at jbutler@scoreatl.com.
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