🏈 There's one thing that is unusual about this game this weekend—almost an anomoly in fact.

[TerryP]

If I were to ask you what position comes to mind when asked where has Georgia been the most successful at producing All-Americans, what would it be? NFL guys as well...

A good run with some quarterbacks? Sure.
Running backs? Meh. Some talent, but it seems to blossom early and fade later in their collegiate careers.

Special teams, specifically place kicking. That's my choice. If you go back over the years think about the names you come up with. Even if you don't pull a name, I know you'll say one thing. They've always been consistently good.

Here's the unusual comment/observation.

Over the last several years we've seen many a conversation on our special teams and very few of them have been favorable. One of the biggest contrast I see in looking at both teams for this weekend is the distinct advantage we have on special teams.

Things to watch for this weekend?

Returns leading to good field position for the Tide.

What wouldn't shock me to see this year but would be jaw-dropping in the past?

UGA missing a FG.

 

[Houndstoothpuller]

Interesting that you bring up returns. I've really been concerned the past few weeks about someone breaking a return on us, but we've tightened up there it seems (eye test-haven't looked at stats). There were a few 'almost' returns earlier in the year that made me think Alabama was weaker there.

About FG's, they could really end up being the only scoring if both defenses have stellar days, imo.
We could have a 9-6 ballgame on our hands, or even an OT game.

Where I think I'll be watching is something the guys on CFDaily brought up and that's Murray's interceptions, in particular when the pressure is on (game differential is 7 points or less).
Murray is more prone to be picked off than is AJ, statistically. Murray has thrown two picks in the red zone, AJ one.
Murray I think has 6 or 7 picks to AJ's 2 on the year.
For the teams to be so evenly matched in so many areas, I'm glad that our qb isn't as prone to throw the pick.
Let's hope upon hope that we can GET OUT FRONT in scoring so AJ/coaches doesn't have to feel the pressure of trying to come back.

Comeback mode also lends itself to getting away from the running game, which is where I still feel Alabama's identity on offense should be primarily, especially this time of year.