5 things to watch out for in the Georgia vs. Alabama showdown in Week 5
When No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama battle in Week 5, it's a game with massive implications. Of the last ten meetings between the teams, two were national championship games and four more were SEC championship games. Furthermore, in the last seven matchups, both teams have been ranked in the national top 5.
So, what's worth watching in the game? Here are five specific things to watch for in Georgia's battle with Alabama.
5 things to watch for in the Georgia vs. Alabama game
#1. Kalen DeBoer's welcome
This rivalry can be unforgiving to new coaches. Nick Saban lost his first Georgia/Alabama battle in 2007. Kirby Smart lost his first four appearances in the matchup. So Kalen DeBoer could get a tough welcome to this battle.
For DeBoer's part, the only three top-five battles he's coached in were the last three games of the 2023 season, when Washington beat Oregon in the Pac-12 title game and then Texas in the CFP semifinal before losing to Michigan in the national title game.
DeBoer's first big test at Alabama is on a massive stage.
#2. Can Georgia's offense get "fixed"?
Yes, Georgia is 3-0. But the Bulldogs haven't looked like themselves. In the last three seasons, UGA averaged 38.6, 41.1 and 40.1 points per game. This year? 31.7 ppg so far. Although UGA played one cupcake while much of the SEC has played three or four, the offensive productivity hasn't been great.
One of the issues is the lack of big plays. Georgia's 16 20+ yard plays is just 10th in the SEC. Their nine 30+ yard plays are 9th. A year ago, Georgia was second and third in the league in those categories. Is it time for the Bulldogs to rediscover the big play?
#3. Is Alabama's third down defense really that good?
Among many bizarre numbers coming into this game is a difference in third down defense. UGA has allowed 39% conversions on third down, which is toward the bottom of the SEC. Alabama? Only eight of 49 opposing third down plays have been converted into first downs. That 16.3% conversion rate is at the top of the nation and the SEC.
Of course, Alabama hasn't faced brilliant competition yet. Still, that third down defense is either brilliant or utterly untested.
#4. See how Alabama plays as an underdog
Among the stranger stories here is that Alabama is a 2-point home underdog against Georgia. In the last decade, Alabama is 0-0 as a home underdog. They've been favored in their last 90 home games. The last time Alabama was a home underdog was in 2007, meaning most Tide's players were barely born.
The last regular-season game in which Bama was an underdog was 2015 against Georgia. The 38-10 beatdown by No. 13 Alabama probably helped drive UGA's Mark Richt out of Athens.
#5. Watch for Heisman possibilities
Big games are also big opportunities for players looking to cement their status as immortals. Whether it's Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams, Carson Beck or Trevor Etienne, a big stage is an opportunity not only for teamwide notoriety, but for a Heisman moment. Keep an eye on which star can bust out a show-stopping moment on Saturday.
What will you watch for in the Georgia vs. Alabama battle? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!