This weekend brings a clash of two undefeated SEC foes as Kirby Smart's No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs take on Kalen DeBoer's No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. The Bulldogs rank first in the nation in scoring with 51.4 points per game, while their defense is tied for 13th, allowing just 13.4 per game. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide are tied for second in scoring with 49.6 points per game, but rank 51st defensively, allowing 20.8 per game.
Something has to give in a battle between two teams with those impressive stats and 5-0 records. Smart said he's "excited" for the upcoming SEC clash and issued a challenge to Alabama ahead of their battle. Yeah, It's a hell of an opportunity on a national stage, a brand game for both teams' brands.
We think we're a physical team, and they're a physical team. Let's see who's the most physical or the most ready right now," Smart said on "The Pat McAfee Show" ahead of Saturday's game. More news: Joel Klatt Makes Bold LSU Prediction Amid Lane Kiffin ‘Circus’ Smart suggested that both teams need to improve to achieve their goals, including reaching the CFP, and that a matchup like this could help them get there.
Ahead of the matchup, news has already arrived that the Bulldogs won't have junior running back Chauncey Bowens after he suffered an injury in the team's win over Vanderbilt last weekend. There's optimism that Nate Frazier might return for the Alabama game, as he leads the team with 211 rushing yards this season. According to ESPN, the Crimson Tide defense allows just 78.6 rushing yards per game to opponents so far this season, which could neutralize Georgia's ground game, depending on who plays at running back.
The Bulldogs have a 5-0 record after convincing wins over Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt. Alabama, also 5-0, has taken down Eastern Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, and most recently, No. 16 Mississippi State, all by double digits. That certainly makes the upcoming showdown the first real test for two of college football's best teams, with the winner remaining undefeated and taking sole possession of the top spot in the SEC standings.
Alabama and Georgia meet at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC on Saturday, Oct. 10. More news: Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith Draws Randy Moss Comparison From Steve Sarkisian For more about the Georgia Bulldogs and college football, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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