He studied under Nick Saban for nine years, but can Kirby Smart’s defense at Georgia inspire Alabama?
The Bulldogs have been stifling all season, including two shutouts of SEC teams.
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Florida was the common opponent for the Crimson Tide and Georgia. Alabama’s defense escaped Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, better known as “The Swamp,” with a 31-29 victory on Sept. 18. The Tide was out of position on several plays, allowing the Gators to record 26 first downs, 440 total yards, and 245 yards rushing.
Despite collecting an interception off Emory Jones, Florida’s quarterback rushed for 77 yards with a touchdown on Alabama’s defense.
The Gators outscored the Tide, 20-10, during the second half and nearly pulled an upset.
Georgia laid down the law in the Cocktail Party matchup at Jacksonville, Fla.
Florida started Anthony Richardson at quarterback, and he was intercepted twice.
The Bulldogs led by 24 points at halftime, and the Gators did not score until late in the fourth quarter. Georgia stifled Florida on third downs (4-of-13) and forced three turnovers. It kept the Gator receivers in check, and Dameon Pierce was the lone running back to have success versus Georgia’s defensive front. Smart coached his unit to a 34-7 victory, and the fifth time Georgia has rendered an opponent under two touchdowns. During the CBS telecast, Gary Danielson reiterated how the Bulldogs’ defense is reminiscent of the dominant Alabama defenses in the past. The Tide survived Florida, but Georgia shut the Gators down.
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Georgia has several defensive players that want to win. They are hungry and consistently bring the effort. The Bulldogs play an attacking style that the Tide has been missing. Alabama could take some notes from what Georgia is doing.
Coach Smart has this team in the top five nationally for scoring defense, total defense, run defense, pass defense, and pass efficiency defense.
It is on the same level as the 2011 Alabama defense that led the nation in all major defensive categories. The praise Georgia is getting should motivate the Tide to remind the national audience it can be elite. Georgia has a rotation of players that crave a national title, while Will Anderson has been the lone vocal one for Alabama. Defense still means something in college football, and maybe the Bulldogs will inspire the Tide on the concept.
Alabama will face LSU next week at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
All roads are pointing to Alabama versus Georgia for the SEC Championship in Atlanta.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
