THE Game: #3 Georgia v. #8 Alabama Preview

*Ahem* Cue the Hans Zimmer Music!

September 27th, 2008 is the date for the Blackout between the Hedges. The media has fled to the deep south for the game of the week, could be the year. A match-up that ended in dramatic heroic fashion will be underway in a couple days. Athens, Georgia hosts the "Clash of the Titans" of the SEC. Not many people expected the impact that this game would have. However, it is upcoming, and rest assure football fans, this is one of those games where fans will say, "I was there for that game". And this distinguished author will be down in Georgia in deep cover to see the spectacle that is: The Battle between the hedges.

All sports stories fail in comparison because of this game, in my opinion. Therefore, not only would I like to make a pick for this game, I want to give a full-blown analysis to why and how this game will end like it will. Therefore I want to give the impact players, the key match-ups, the x factor, and why UGA or Bama will win. So buckle up for one hell of a ride...

The Players that will have to be on their game...

UGA: (C) Kevin Perez

Not Moreno? not Stafford? not Green? I think it's a given that all three need to be playing well for this game. However the 6-3, 270 pound sophomore will need to be on his A game for this battle. Why? Because he has to deal with the 6-5, 365 pound nose-tackle Terrence Cody. UGA has not been known for their line, they are young and inexperienced. This line probably needs to consider a bunch formation to deal with the monster D-Line of Alabama.

UA: (QB) John Parker Wilson

JP Wilson needs to be on key for this game. Thankfully he has been known to do well under the major spotlight (against Clemson, Tennessee 2007). Georgia defense will give many different looks on defense. They will constantly put eight men in the box and blitz, blitz, blitz. They will make Alabama throw the ball. Alabama does have some good receivers for quick routes, and they will need that to keep the Georgia defense off the field and away from the backfield.

Key Match-ups:

It's going to start and end on the lines. Georgia and Alabama need to give their respective quarterback time to pass. They need to give their running games the proper lanes. Both of these defenses are fast and brutal. The opposing teams have had trouble scoring in every game against the two teams. It'll be different for this game, but the defenses will be strong. Therefore the offensive lines will have to be even stronger.

The X-Factor

UGA: Special Teams

One thing that Alabama has some major concerns with is kickoff coverage. Georgia needs to take advantage of this. They need to get great field position in every drive that they have. They also need to use the lanes that are given to them. They may find a touchdown on a kickoff that they didn't expect.

Alabama: Tick, Tick, Tick

Georgia has an outstanding defense. However, between their previous opponents (GA Southern, CMU, USC, ASU) have had lousy run games, or no offense at all. Alabama will not be this way, they run the ball...a lot. Alabama needs to keep that defense on the field, control the clock, quick outlet passes. This will be key to compete in this game

What does Georgia have to do to win?

First, Georgia has to blitz, a lot. Make John Parker Wilson pass the ball. He has not seen the like of this Georgia defense and if you get Bama on their heels early, Georgia will sick 'em against the tide.

Second, Once again, they need field position. Get good field position off the kickoff and keep Alabama near the end-zone. Moreno will break a few big runs. It would be a lot better if he had them when they are midfield as opposed to their own 20

Third, If Matthew Stafford has ice in his veins. Georgia is very likely to win. He cannot be nervous in this game. Make sure your wide receivers are open and don't be afraid of getting sacked. You have one of the best freshman receivers in the NCAA, 3rd and 20 is always an option instead of an INT.

Last, Georgia is worst in the SEC about penalties. This has to stop in this game, period.

What does Alabama have to do to win?

First things first, Bama has to strike. If this was a boxing match, do not start with your jabs. If Alabama gets the ball first, they need to throw a few haymakers. Alabama is a running team, so show them otherwise. Show that you can get Georgia on the run and the pass. That balance will make the defense uneasy and it will make a gigantic difference.

Wrap Moreno Up: Do not quit on this guy. Moreno runs like he wants to score on every play. He keeps his feet moving. Do not try to knock him down, throw him down to the ground. This is so vital to Alabama. They need to keep Georgia guessing and on their toes.

Run Forest Run: Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee need to be big in this game. If the dynamic duo can get more than 200 yards on the ground. Bama will win this game. There will be some home-run balls and these two will be essential in winning this game.

The Prediction:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final

UGA 7 7 3 7 24

Bama 10 7 0 10 27

Bama 27 UGA 24

Game winning field goal by Tiffin with :20 left.

Last Notes:

We'll miss you Munson

Larry Munson, long time announcer for the Georgia Bulldogs is finally done. He will be missed as being one of the best announcers in college football.

"The pass is in the air, and we jump up... TOUCHDOWN, OH GOD, A TOUCHDOWN!!!"

You will be missed...

Until next time sports fans... ROOOOOLLLLLLL TIIIIDE! ROLL!