The Alabama Crimson Tide enter Week 5’s game of the week against the Georgia Bulldogs with a variety of edges over Georgia. The Crimson Tide looked much better than Georgia when the both teams last played two weeks ago. Alabama cruised to a 42-10 win at Wisconsin while Georgia struggled in an ugly 13-12 win at Kentucky.
Both teams have had a bye week to prepare for each other. Both teams should be very motivated, but we think Alabama has several distinct edges over Georgia entering the Georgia-Alabama game.
Here’s five reasons why Alabama will beat Georgia
1. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is the best offensive playmaker on either team
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is a dynamic playmaker that defenses have to account for as a rusher and as a passer. Milroe is Alabama’s leading passer and has the most rushing touchdowns of any player on the Crimson Tide.
“It’s extremely challenging against Alabama because every play is a ticking time bomb,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on limiting explosive plays against the Crimson Tide.
Milroe, who has 14 total touchdowns and no interceptions this season, is a big reason why Alabama is averaging 49 points per game. Georgia’s offense won’t be able to match Alabama’s level of production.
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2. Georgia is beat up along the defensive line
One of the only ways to beat Alabama is with a strong pass rush. Unfortunately, Georgia may be without a multiple key pieces along the defensive line.
“I feel good about Warren (Brinson),” said Smart. “Mykel (Williams’) going to be close. Jordan (Hall) is still trying to get into practice.”
Georgia recorded four sacks in the 2023 SEC championship game, but even that was not enough to knock off the Crimson Tide.
3. Alabama wins in the trenches
Alabama has three preseason All-SEC offensive linemen in Tyler Booker, Kadyn Proctor, and Parker Brailsford. The Crimson Tide won in the trenches in the 2023 SEC championship and will outrush Georgia again in 2024.
The Kentucky Wildcats outrushed Georgia in UGA’s most recent game. We don’t see the advantage in the trenches changing with Georgia’s top offensive lineman, Tate Ratledge, out.
4. Alabama has the mental edge
Alabama enters the Georgia game with experience of recently beating the Bulldogs. Additionally, the Crimson Tide are home underdogs for the first time since 2007.
Kirby Smart (1-5 career record against Alabama) and Georgia have been unable to get over the hump in countless big moments against the Crimson Tide.
5. Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is too good
True freshman Ryan Williams, a former five-star recruit, is Alabama’s top playmaker on the perimeter. Williams looks like Alabama’s latest elite wide receiver.
“He’s in the same line with the guys they’ve had in the past,” said Kirby Smart. “Super quick, talented, confident with the ball, great ball skills, great quickness.”
Williams has more than double the receiving yardage of any other Alabama receiver. The big play threat has 10 receptions for 285 yards and four touchdowns. He burns Georgia for multiple explosive plays in this one.