Alabama avoided going 0-2 in SEC play for the first time since Saban came to Tuscaloosa nine years ago. Moreover, Lambert and Ramsey combined to complete just 11 of 31 passes and threw three picks.
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And Saban was about as close to gleeful as he can get.
But don’t miss the importance of Jake Coker’s play.
Though all of the players and numerous coaches have changed since then, the results didn’t. Call the play, check protections, run the fake, throw the ball where it’s supposed to be. Did you manage the team?’ ” Saban said. “I think I heard a few cheering, which was nice”.
Georgia (4-0, 2-0) didn’t decide on a starting quarterback until a week before the opener, but Lambert – a transfer from Virginia – has justified his selection by completing 33 of his past 35 passes, including a 24-of-25 showing against South Carolina to set an NCAA record. But the coach said the Crimson Tide responded, channeling their energy in historic fashion: The 28-point wining margin marked the largest ever by an Alabama team against a top-10 opponent on the road.
While the running backs may be the stars of the game Saturday, quarterback play will likely be the deciding factor.
The Bulldogs won’t be the only ones trying to stop a dominant running back, as the Crimson Tide will have the task of stopping Chubb.
“The dam broke and unfortunately we just didn’t have enough counterpunches to get back in it”, Richt said. The Crimson Tide defeated Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in that game, went on to win the national championship and have been favored in every game since.
“Sometimes making the right play is just doing what you always do”, Richt said. “That’s what gives you a chance”. Safety Eddie Jackson picked off Georgia backup quarterback Brice Ramsey-in for the struggling Greyson Lambert-and took the interception 50 yards to the house, silencing any true hope of a comeback. Kenyan Drake has 215 yards rushing and seven catches, including a 69-yarder.
At least Uga could hang out in the comfort of his dog house. He has already rushed over 400 yards with eight touchdowns through four games. If Alabama clamps down on Mitchell, can Reggie Davis, Isaiah McKenzie or Terry Godwin step up to fill the void?
It’s easy to understand the pregame tensions between the two teams. Adam Griffith was ideal on the day with one made from 29-yards out. Coker sucked in the defense with play action and launched a 45-yard touchdown to Calvin Ridley, hitting the freshman receiver right in stride down the middle of the field.
If the obituaries were written a little too hastily after the Tide’s loss to Ole Miss, it’s probably a good idea to hold off on the whole “They’re Back” narrative, too.
Saban will see a lot of familiar faces on the opposite side of the field today.
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One key ingredient was missing from Georgia’s secondary, which defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt believes played a part in Alabama’s 38-10 win on Saturday. Rob Sale (offensive line), Kevin Sherrer (linebackers) and Mark Hocke (strength and conditioning) are former Tide assistants as well.
