Sort’em out Saturday: ‘Bama faces greatest playoff pressure

Things were going Georgia’s way most of the day and the Bulldogs led 21-10 in the third quarter.

This week’s F/+ ratings really only trust one team. “Either way, you’re going to be wet, and we’re trying to win”.

Indeed, the No. 8 Bulldogs have a chance to take a step toward a special season when they host No. 13 Alabama on Saturday.

All of those handsome achievements could easily be blotted out by the No. 13 Crimson Tide this weekend.

Alabama returned to form after their SEC-opening loss at Ole Miss to shutout Louisiana-Monroe last week 34-0.

That would be Alabama s string of 72 consecutive games as the betting favorite.

“We realized it was time to bring everybody together and just kind of re-state what we want from this team this year”, Jones said. Is the end of time as we know it?

Saban says Georgia is more than just a good running team.

This is Nick Chubb’s offense. Nick Saban will have a game plan in place to slow down Chubb and company. No spread, no dual-threat quarterbacks, no opponent attempting drastic tempo. Get ready to see Lane Kiffin and/or Brian Schottenheimer in your mentions.

And no member of Bulldog Nation wants to watch their team have to play its way back into contention when it can grab front-runner status right now. Sony Michel has four rushing touchdowns and Keith Marshall three.

Efficiency will be key.

57 Years since the last time Ole Miss and Florida squared off as ranked teams. The Tide are their typical swarming selves, both getting a surge in short-yardage situations (second in power success rate) and preventing open-field running.

Ever since then, and more specifically since September 27, 2008, Georgia’s high standing has whittled away. He’s like a Saban rush end but with more juice. But the baseline sack rate has still been lower than preferred over the last couple of seasons. The reigning National Champions need a good win.

Pressure could be vital.

Today marks Alabama’s first opportunity to make a leap in the national rankings. The sophomore is sixth in the nation, 149.8 yards per game.

Lambert has been hit so infrequently, it’s like he’s wearing a protective practice jersey. However, the defense can’t be on the field constantly.

This means Kiffin’s philosophy shares a few real estate with that of Art Briles, especially when you consider that Alabama is also operating with a top-30 tempo. There’s not much of a cheat sheet going in. And Briles’ offense doesn’t have Derrick Henry.

Tennessee has already blown two games. Chubb also has reached triple digits in rushing yards in 12 straight games. With Robert Foster (shoulder) out, the Tide is relying on ArDarius Stewart and freshman Calvin Ridley to make plays on the perimeter with Richard Mullaney working the slot position.

Eastern Michigan (1-3) at No. 9 LSU (3-0), 7 p.m. (ESPNU): It’s name your score time. “I think that getting his plant foot right is something that he’s now doing and has confidence in”.

The passing probably won’t stop on Saturday. Earlier this summer, Alabama was willing to take on another dismissed Georgia player in defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor, whose offenses included a pending domestic violence charge. You just have to play good, sound, solid football. Georgia has an advantage with it’s receivers against Alabama’s defensive backs.

Lorenzo Carter and Jordan Jenkins may create matchup problems for Alabama. It’s the first meeting between the schools since the 2012 SEC title game won 32-28 by the Crimson Tide. It will be a major test for an up-and-coming defense of Jeremy Pruitt.

The big run plays are still a concern. “When I got to UAB, I knew that I’d never get to play against Alabama”.

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