Tide Muzzles Dawgs….Again

There were plenty of questions for Alabama before kickoff in Tuscaloosa Saturday night.

How would Nick Saban’s physical absence during the three proceeding days affect Alabama’s performance?

Could the defense regroup from a complete meltdown against Ole Miss?

Was the offense really as good as advertised? Would it be able to roll up yardage and points against the stout Georgia defense?

The first question was answered very quickly, if not before the opening kickoff. Word had spread that the team had rallied around their coach. Because of the structure he himself had built, and the power of modern technology, his guiding hand was still very much on the program. In a way, his scare with Covid-19 may have worked in Alabama’s favor.

The program rolled on while he was gone, but there was also an emotional charge upon his return.

The questions about the offense, and certainly the defense, weren’t fully answered even during the first half of play.

The offense struggled at times, but still managed to score 20 points against the #1 ranked defense in America. It was evident that big plays in the passing game – Alabama’s bread and butter as of late – were there even against Georgia. The Tide simply has too many weapons to be completely shut down.

Every time the passing game clicked the running lanes opened. The writing was on the wall.

What almost no one saw coming was a 52-yard field goal by kicker Will Reichard as the first half ended. The kick pulled Alabama to with 4 points, trailing the Dawgs by a score of 24-20. The kick gave the team a spark going into the locker room, one that would not be extinguished.

The defense held Georgia scoreless in the second half while the offense caught fire. The 21-0 domination was more of what we’ve grown accustomed to during the Saban-Smart era of Alabama vs. Georgia. Alabama has now outscored Georgia 71-17 in the second halves (including one overtime) of those games.

It could have been worse for Kirby and his pups. Alabama took the air out of the ball in the fourth quarter, going almost entirely to the ground. The physical dominance harkened back to the early days of the Saban era. Running backs Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, Jr. picked up consistent yardage thanks to a road grader performance by the offensive line.

After a series of runs, the final score came with 9:32 remaining on a pass and catch by the Mac Jones – Devonta Smith duo.

DeVonta Smith is really, really good…that’s really all you can say. pic.twitter.com/rIYop9K6zM

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 18, 2020

Jones finished with his second-consecutive 400 yard passing game, going 24-of-32 for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Smith led all receivers with 11 catches for 167 yards. Jaylen Waddle added six receptions for 161 yards (including a 90-yard touchdown grab) for 161 yards.

Najee Harris once again eclipsed the 100-yard mark, rushing 31 times for 152 yards and a touchdown.

There are still questions to be answered.

This is not a great Alabama defense. The offense is so good, though, that the defense might just be good enough. And, barring a rash of injuries, they will get better.

At this point Alabama can only beat itself. There are no other worthy opponents on the schedule. There are decent teams, but none that can rival this Alabama team.

That will be the case until December 19th, when Alabama will most likely face this same Georgia team. It’s always hard to beat a good team twice. Nick Saban and his Alabama juggernaut just might be up for the challenge.