The Memphis Tider States Bama's Case

A big thank you goes out to The Memphis Tider who kindly said yes to my request to represent the Alabama Faithful on the Blawg before the now huger game tomorrow. Show him some Love and say thanks! Next I'll put up The Blawger's views and then give each a chance to rebut! Check back later in the day for results!

I'm not a fan of the "blackout" hype and "closing practices" and everything else that Georgia is using as motivation. Yes, it's a big game, but to treat is as more than just the next game on the schedule puts added pressure on kids that can play just fine without it. I don't believe it will affect the Alabama side whatsoever. As we know, a team takes on the personality of its coach, and if its coach isn't scared of anything, the team won't be either. On the other hand, if the coach needs extra motivation because he's worried about the game, it could rub off on the players. Football, like anything else, is business as usual. If you don't put things on a bigger scale, there's not as much of a chance to screw up. Just ask John Parker Wilson.

I believe Bama has a better than 50% chance of winning on Saturday night in Athens for several reasons. Yes, Georgia has the better quarterback, but other than that, I would have to believe that we are even or better in almost every facet of the game. That doesn't mean it's a sure victory...but it's close. We'll look at the two most important matchups.

Georgia's Offensive Line vs Bama's Defensive Line Bama's D-Line hasn't REALLY been tested this year, but throwing a freshman center against Terrence Cody and Josh Chapman is just inhumane. Luigs couldn't handle them last week, and he's supposedly the best center in the country. Now, I'll admit that UGA's got some talent on the line, and they won't be pushovers, but I don't believe they're as big, or as quick as Bama's front. While we play a 3-4 defense, we will have 4 down about 85% of the time, and those 4 have gotten pressure on quarterbacks all year long, without much blitzing. I'd look for that to change this weekend.

Alabama's Offensive Line vs Georgia's Defensive Line Bama has, possibly, the best offensive line in college football. They've been able to protect the quarterback in passing situations, and have opened up NUMEROUS holes for our stable of running backs. They've gotten a push on every single play from scrimmage that I've seen, and while they've given up a few sacks (i.e. Tulane), they haven't given up ANY with all 5 starters in the game. It will be interesting to see whether or not Georgia, with a few backups taking the place of injured starters, can put up a fight against two NFL caliber linemen in Caldwell and Smith.

That's where the game will be won. It almost always is. The team that dominates the line of scrimmage will win the football game. I'd look for Bama to blitz quite a bit, bringing guys from different directions all the time. You know, Nick Saban has over 40 blitz schemes in his playbook, and the team is in year two, so they know ALL of them by now. Stafford tends to throw the ball a little crazy when he's under pressure, so I look for a couple of interceptions. A steady run game and dominating defense will give Bama a 24-17 win.