Georgia Football: 4 Reasons Why Mark Richt Will Beat Nick Saban in 2013

Make no mistake about it, Alabama will be the team to beat in 2013.

They will be strong on defense and quarterback A.J. McCarron, who was the nation's most efficient passer, will be back.

However, the question is will they win a third consecutive national title, or will they even win the SEC?

The Georgia Bulldogs look to be a contender for both titles in 2013 because of what they were able to do in 2012.

They came within mere yards of beating Alabama in last year's SEC title game.The 2013 season will be a different story. They should be able to beat the Crimson Tide.

Here are four reasons why Mark Richt will finally beat Nick Saban this upcoming season.

Offense

The No. 1 reason the Bulldogs will beat the Crimson Tide in 2013 is the offense.

While the Crimson Tide can put up a lot of points, the Bulldogs will come into the season as one of the most balanced offenses in the country.

In the game against the Crimson Tide last year, the Bulldogs proved that they can run the ball with Todd Gurley, and Aaron Murray can pick apart any defense when given time in the pocket.

Speaking of giving time in the pocket, the Bulldogs will have all five offensive linemen back from last year. That alone will make the Bulldogs offense much better.

Defense

There is no secret the Bulldogs struggled on defense last year, especially against the Crimson Tide when they surrendered 350 rushing yards.

Many think the defense could be worse this upcoming season because they will be without 12 players who started last year.

While the defense will have some growing pains at the start of the season, they will be a much stronger unit once the new guys get used to playing with each other.

Guys such as Jordan Jenkins, Garrison Smith, Amarlo Herrera and Damian Swann are talented players who will help guide the younger players throughout the season, and there is no reason this unit can't produce better numbers than the 2012 or the 2011 squad.

Experience

Alabama has more big-game experience than Georgia over the last few seasons.

But if the two met again in 2013, it would be in the SEC championship which would give the Bulldogs their third consecutive conference championship appearance.

With a guy like Aaron Murray who has played in the last two SEC championships and has improved from the first game to the second, he would have no issues playing in another big game and coming away with a win.

The same can be said for Mark Richt. He has coached in five SEC championships as well as three Sugar Bowls. He will have his team more prepared if they are able to make it to the Georgia Dome in December.

Motivation

Knowing that they were only five yards away from playing in a national title, the Bulldogs will be more motivated this season than they have ever been under Mark Richt.

Nick Saban will also have his team motivated because he wants to keep the Crimson Tide train going.

But, the Crimson Tide are going to be the marked team in the SEC, and every time they step onto the field, the opposing teams are are going to give them everything they have.

The Bulldogs know what they need to do in order to beat Alabama. It's just a matter of making the right decisions and executing the big plays.

Will the Two Teams Meet in 2013?

With Georgia and Alabama not scheduled to meet in the 2013 regular season, the question is will these two teams make it to the SEC championship?

Alabama will likely be the No. 1 team in the country when the season begins, and Nick Saban will do whatever it takes to get back to not only win the conference but win his third consecutive BCS title.

As for the Bulldogs, their road will be tough as they face Clemson at the start of the season and LSU a few weeks later.

But the Bulldogs have the talent to compete with any team in the country. What Mark Richt and company have to do is play error-free football and execute on a consistent basis.