Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb discussed the challenges presented by the Georgia defense and how the Tide has utilized the I-formation.
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“When you’re talking about (number) 12 (Keelon Russell) being under center and handing off the football in I-formation versus being in Gun Zone reads, it’s another element of things that defenses have to look at and respect and work hard at.”
This appears to be a smoke screen that CKS is probably ready for. I believe Bama's main objective is to try (8) Demello Jones and (14) Rasean Dinkins early. If these two guys can tighten up their coverage without committing a PI penalty or allowing the receiver to get behind them, it will take away Bama's primary weapon. Grubb would much rather find a weakness in the secondary to exploit than to depend on this run formation. Having said that, UGA can't afford to have any weaknesses anywhere, not just in the secondary. This team has what it takes to win this game, they just need to play fast and free with limited mistakes.
GO DAWGS!
GoodOlDawg…Good analysis! Go Dawgs!
That field will probably be slicker than goat nose and okra on a wet red clay road !! I’m mostly concerned about injuries. Please none !! But we have some very speedy defenders. So I’m figuring that even though traction will be an issue for both teams. The speed of our defenders will be huge for our Dawgs. Both QBs will have challenges throwing a slick football. But again I think that favors our Dawgs. We’ll see……. Go Dawgs !! Sic ‘Em !!
yeah yeah yeah…. I'm sure we've been practicing against their I formation. Nothing really new…
Just saw an update from Holly Rowe on ABC (5:35) . Raining in Tuscaloosa since 7:30 pm last night. Expected to be raining until 8:30 tonight. Didn't appear to be raining hard. New drainage system kept the field playable but it is wet and slippery.
AL adding the I formation may make their running game more versatile. Definitely something else UGA has to prepare for. This looks like a game where being able to run the ball will be the difference. AL's top 2 RB's are healthy. UGA's are not.
A slippery field favor's the offense. Specifically the WR's. WR's know the route they are running DB's do not. DB's have to plant hard to react and are more likely to have footing problems. AL's WR's are very good. Slick field is not as big of an advantage for TE's. They're slower and routes are not as sharp. UGA definitely has the advantage at the TE position. UGA TE's will need to be a big factor in this game and could be the deciding factor.
AL DB's may be the best group in the SEC. AL DB's play a very physical style. UGA's biggest WR is out. AL playing at home. CKS's record vs AL is 2 - 7. CKS's record against everybody except AL is 112 - 9. Winner of this game plays in the SECCG. Loser of this game does not play in the SECCG. Latest spread is UGA +2.5.
