Top Five Reasons Georgia Rolls Over the Tide

It's almost here. Can you feel it in the air?  Has anyone mentioned it?

On Saturday night, Athens, Georgia is the place to be as the eighth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide roll into town to face the third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

This could be an instant classic. This could be a highlight reel all in itself.

This could be a war!

The buildup started early for this one. Mark Richt announced on Monday that the team would wear their black jerseys. The fans were asked to "black out" Sanford Stadium. Nick Saban showed up at his Tuesday press conference wearing black.

Coincidence? Hardly.

This game needed little buildup as it is. An SEC battle, ESPN and GameDay in town, two top 10 teams—what else do you need?

The bulletin boards in each locker room are most likely full. Bama finds it humorous that Georgia needs to wear black to get up for this one. How many times have you heard, "Why not save it for another rival?"

Have you checked the remaining home schedule?

Tennessee comes to town in October, most likely not in the top 25, and with many wondering if Phil Fulmer will be with them. That leaves Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech...hmm, sounds like an easy choice to me.

In the meantime, over in Alabama, strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran is making news. His announcement as to why Georgia is wearing black is all over YouTube.

Be sure to check that one out. I'm sure the Georgia players will be interested to know that they are going to a funeral on Saturday.

Junior WR Mike McCoy got in his own shot at UGA. Commenting on the Dawgs' celebration dance in Florida last season, he stated, "Whenever we get in the end zone, we act like we've been there before. We're more respectable."

Really, Mike? When was the last time you got into the end zone? A quick look at the stats says not this year...

With all that being said, I'm sure you want to know how and why Georgia wins this game. So without further ado, here are the "Top Five Reasons Georgia Rolls Over the Tide."

1) Georgia will win the first quarter

Most games are not won in the first quarter. Alabama has been doing a good job this season of jumping on their opponents early.

In the first quarter alone, the Tide has outscored their opponents, 64-0. The first half numbers are just as impressive, as the Tide have rolled to a 102-13 advantage. 

Georgia must come out in the first quarter and set the tone. The crowd will do their part, the emotions will be running high, and the Dawgs will start early.

2) Georgia's defense will slow down the Alabama running game

Alabama has flat-out run over their opponents this season. The Georgia rush defense is number one in the SEC, allowing only 55 yards per game. Something has got to give here.

I look for the Dawgs to stack the middle of the line and dare John Parker Wilson to beat them. I think this tactic will work, and I don't think JPW can. If JPW gets rattled early, it could be a long night for the Tide.

One note of interest: The last Alabama RB to rush for over 100 yards against Georgia was Paul Ott Carruth in 1984.

3) Stafford to Green

Matthew Stafford found A.J. Green last week, and the combination clicked to the tune of eight catches for 159 yards and a TD. 

Green has given Stafford the "go-to guy" that he has always needed. Green is already a reliable target and is certainly establishing himself as a big time WR.

Stafford must look for Green often. The passing game should be solid. Hopefully everyone will contribute this week like they did last week.

4) Keeping the streaks alive

Georgia enters this game on a 11 game win streak.

Georgia has not lost since Knowshon Moreno was inserted into the starting lineup.

Mark Richt teams are 36-7 at home. 

Georgia has beaten the Tide in the last three matchups.

Matthew Stafford has not thrown an interception this season. His streak without a pick is at 108. 

Georgia must keep these streaks alive.

5) Another Blackout, another win.

Much has been made of the "blackout" this week. The excitement at Sanford Stadium will be incredible. The crowd will be loud and proud.

Does it matter that UGA will be wearing black?

Ask the Auburn players. Georgia drilled AU 45-20 last season. 

Ask Hawaii. Georgia "blacked-out" the Warriors 41-10 in the Sugar Bowl. The highly touted Colt Brennan never knew what hit him. Hey Colt, that was Marcus Howard by the way. The Dawgs forced six turnovers in the rout.

It amuses me that many make light of the emotional effect that the "blackout' brings.

I think we tend to forget sometimes that these are college kids: 18, 19-year-old boys. Give them some added emotion, and it's a good thing.

Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are just mad they didn't think of it first.

Two Bonus reasons

Watch for the screen to Knowshon. I think Georgia can use it effectively against that strong Alabama D-line.

Also, watch to see how true freshman Ben Jones (6'3", 304) handles the mountain that is Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody (6'5", 365). Ben is an Alabama boy, so this will be big for him. He's been known to be a little nasty on the field. He'll need it against Cody.

So there you go...my "Top Five Reasons Georgia Rolls Over the Tide." I even threw in two bonus reasons at no extra charge.

It will be a battle. I hope to see you there. Section 337 will be rocking!

If you can't make it, fret not. Check back next week and I'll let you know how it turns out.  

Go Dawgs!