However, the storylines don't stop at whoever wins will most likely play Notre Dame in the National Championship. We have two Heisman hopeful quarterbacks in AJ McCarron and Aaron Murray competing against each other. We have dominant running back Eddie Lacy against impressive running back Todd Gurley.
The Crimson Tide is led by junior quarterback AJ McCarron. McCarron has had Heisman hope with him all season. He is 178/265, has thrown for 2,507 yards for 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. A rather impressive touchdown to interception ratio.
The Bulldogs are led by junior quarterback Aaron Murray, who has also received much Heisman hype. He is 213/320, and has thrown for more yards than McCarron with a total of 3,201 yards. He has thrown 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
But the offense of both teams don't end there. In fact, it's just getting started...
Alabama has two rather impressive running backs. Junior Eddie Lacy is their leading rusher, just eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark. He has also punched the ball into the endzone 14 times. Lacy's backup, freshman TJ Yeldon has 847 yards to his name, and 10 touchdowns. Both players will look to add onto those totals, and put a stomping on the Bulldogs.
Georgia also has an impressive duo. Freshman Todd Gurley, who has carried the ball 176 times for 1,138 yards and 14 touchdowns. As well as fellow freshman Keith Marshall, who has carried the ball over 100 times for 720 yards and eight touchdowns.
Alabama is averaging 214 rushing yards per game while Georgia isn't too far behind, averaging 190. On paper, these teams look very similar. I guess that could be why they're ranked #2 and #3.
Both teams have a few wide receivers who have impressive numbers as well. Alabama is equip with Amari Cooper, Kenny Bell and Kevin Norwood. Cooper leads in receiving yards, with 767. He also leads in receiving touchdowns with eight. Bell has reeled in 3 touchdowns while Norwood has caught four.
The Bulldogs have Tavarres King, Malcolm Mitchell and Marlon Brown. King leads the group with 704 yards and eight touchdowns. Mitchell has over 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns, while Brown has nearly 500 yards receiving, and also four touchdowns.
Describing the offenses, it looks as if we're in for a high-scoring offensive affair. But as Lee Corso would say, "not so fast my friend!".
Alabama's defense is ranked #1 in the nation for points allowed. Bama allows an average of 9.3 points per game. If you look through their schedule it's amazing how little most teams can score on this defense. Texas A&M is the only team to score more than 17 points on the Crimson Tide, scoring 29 and actually defeating Alabama.
Georgia's defense isn't as tough, but still isn't giving many points up. They are ranked 16th for points allowed, only allowing an average of 17.7. Compared to Alabama's average you can see a difference, but not by much. The Bulldogs only loss comes from South Carolina, who put 35 up on the scoreboard. Although Georgia has given up 44 points to Tennessee, 24 points to Kentucky and 23 points to Buffalo, all teams who aren't known as very impressive teams this season.
If I had to put my money on whether it will be an offensive or defensive game, I'd put it on the game being defensive. And I'd be cautiously optimistic that I'd win the bet. But with these two offenses I'm just not sure. I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see anything happen out there Saturday afternoon.
The game will be broadcast on CBS this Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM ET. Clear your schedule, because we are in for quite a game. And the winner of this game will most likely go on to the National Championship Game and give Notre Dame a run for it's money.
- Matt Lytle
@mattlytle
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