Alabama will host the Georgia Bulldogs in their SEC opener next Saturday. On paper, both teams are entering their Week 4 game with 3-0 records. The vibes are totally different. Alabama struggled in Week 2 but had a comfortable outing last week. Georgia, on the other hand, had to come from behind to defeat Kentucky 13-12. However, Kalen DeBoer’s boys will be wise not to draw any lessons from Georgia’s last game that may make them relaxed about the matchup.

Even as the Bulldogs’ offense struggled, the defense has still been decent- minus their run-defense against Kentucky. Alabama’s Offensive Line Coach, Chris Kapilovic, spoke to the press about the task awaiting his boys on September 28. “We’re always trying to find ways to attack their defense and see what we get on Saturday.” Kapilovic added, “They do a great job with scheming. Teams try their best to take that away.” 

Alabama’s O-line came under criticism after their Week 2 performance against South Florida. Was it just down to the injuries? Because as soon as the O-line got healthier, they performed better against Wisconsin. The offense put up 407 yards.

The biggest change? Kadyn Proctor returned from injury and played at left tackle. That meant that Tyler Booker could move to left guard, and Kapilovic had the services of Elijah Pritchett at right tackle. The result? Well, everything! Run-game? Good! Pass-game? Excellent! Milroe combined with Ryan Williams for some explosive plays and had some rushing TDs of his own. That being said, it’s Georgia in Week 5 on September 28!

Alabama’s strategy to counter Georgia’s defense

With Alabama’s offense averaging 49 points and only allowing 9.3 points per game, Kapilovic would like to capitalize on any overlooks that Georgia has had in this stern defense line, which has conceded only 18 points in three games. Of course, the dual threat of Milroe is an effective weapon. 

While Kirby Smart’s boys didn’t let his former QB, Brock Vandagriff, pass much in their Week 3 game, Kentucky’s run game particularly troubled Georgia’s defense. They gave away 172 running yards, a stark change compared to earlier games. That’s what Kalen DeBoer and his staff must have looked at.

The Tide have everything to establish the run, and once that is done, it’s all bliss! Alabama’s WR room is blessed with talent; Ryan Williams is fresh off securing an NIL deal with Red Bull. He can take all that energy to the game. The Milroe-Williams duo has already showcased their effectiveness. If they do this, they might just have the formula to defeat Georgia in this much-hyped game.

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