When I predicted a perfect season for the Bulldogs a few months back, there were three games on the schedule that scared me. I was scared about Georgia playing at South Carolina and breathed a sigh of relief when the Dawgs escaped Columbia with a win. The next game I circled comes up this Saturday between the hedges against Alabama.
With both teams undefeated and ranked in the nation’s top 10, this showdown might be the biggest game of the season for both clubs. I’m actually excited about going to see this game.
In college football, the head coach is the identity of the program. That being said, Saturday’s game between Georgia and Alabama is a true clash between good and evil. Mark Richt represents everything that is right about college football, whereas Nick Saban has his picture next to the word “arrogance” in the dictionary. The slick-haired Saban has taken the role once filled by Phillip Fulmer and Steve Spurrier as the greatest villain to Dawg Nation. (Remember the way Braves’ fans used to respond to Tommy Lasorda?) After being embarrassed in his first visit to Athens (45-16), Saban would like nothing less than to return to the Crescent City and knock Georgia out of its quest for a national championship and an SEC championship at the same time … on national television. Remember, the most unpredictable enemy is a wounded enemy. What scares me is that in this game, Alabama seems to have all the motives.
On paper, this game looks like a great matchup as well. Among the similarities, both teams are scoring lots of points. Alabama has 144 points in four games, just edging out Georgia’s 142. Both teams have star running backs and rookie stars at receiver (A.J. Green for Georgia and Julio Jones for Alabama). The scoreboard will be busy come Saturday night.
On the other hand, there are some differences between the two teams. Georgia’s defense hasn’t been as effective as Alabama’s, as the Dogs have given up 18 more points. The Tide’s six interceptions lead the conference; however, Matthew Stafford has yet to throw one. Georgia has the top-rated run defense in the SEC (48 yards a game), while Alabama leads the conference in rushing (237 yards a game). With all these variables, whoever wins might just win big.
With Georgia needing every advantage possible to beat Alabama, Richt is turning to the “blackout” protocol for the game. Last year, Richt introduced the black jerseys and asked fans to wear black for the game against Auburn. The Dogs won and Richt used it again with the same results in the bowl game against Hawaii to end the season. I’m all for motivating the players and fans with a wardrobe change but if the offensive line doesn’t block, it doesn’t matter what color you wear.
This weekend, the eyes of the college football world will fall on Athens as the road to the SEC championship—and quite possibly the BSC championship—runs through Sanford Stadium.
But that’s just my opinion.
Dankosky can be reached at kdankosky@scoreatl.com.
Loading ...
