The Georgia Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide contest in Week 5 of the college football season could have massive implications down the stretch in 2024. Which key matchups might ultimately decide the outcome and perhaps shed light on the new SEC supremacy?
Georgia QB Carson Beck vs. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe
Whenever two juggernauts meet, the quarterback position can be the difference. And Alabama and Georgia both have stars at QB.
The Crimson Tide boast the presence of Jalen Milroe, while the Bulldogs have potential 2025 NFL Draft QB1, Carson Beck.
Stylistically, Beck and Milroe are about as different as quarterbacks can be. Beck is a poised pocket passer with a high-powered arm, who’s been efficient yet conservative thus far in 2024. Milroe, meanwhile, is a supercharged runner with a rocket launcher on his shoulder, who isn’t afraid to test defenses downfield.
Jalen Milroe’s got that rocket-propelled arm strength. Love the mechanics on this drive throw, too. Gets under it enough to lead his WR upfield.
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) September 14, 2024
In this matchup, the game flow may force both quarterbacks to go against their preferred styles. If Alabama gets ahead early, Beck will have to push boundaries more than he has in the early weeks. And Milroe’s penchant for big plays comes at the risk of sustaining drives against Georgia’s defense.
How will these QBs respond to early adversity? And will they be able to adapt when the situation calls for it? Whoever rises up to this challenge between Beck and Milroe could ultimately come out as the winner.
Alabama WR Ryan Williams vs. Georgia S Malaki Starks
True freshman phenom versus established superstar defender. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Ryan Williams — who’s been compared by some to former Alabama great DeVonta Smith — has 10 catches for 285 yards and four touchdowns in his first three games. He has yet to face a defensive back who can quiet his production.
But he also has yet to face Malaki Starks.
Starks is not only Pro Football Network’s No. 1 overall 2025 NFL Draft prospect, he’s also a universal chess piece on the back end, with utility in two-high, single-high, and in off-man coverage as a nickel defender. His playmaking ability reigns supreme at the catch.
If Williams wants to produce down the field as he’s done so well early in his career, he’ll have to get past Starks — the best safety blanket in the nation. Starks, on the other hand, will have to be on top of his game against the explosive duo of Milroe and Williams.
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor vs. Georgia EDGEs Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker
We gravitate to the talents at quarterback and the playmakers on offense and defense, but these kinds of blue-blood matchups are just as much won in the trenches. And there’ll be plenty of exciting trench play to watch as Alabama takes on Georgia.
On Alabama’s side, left tackle Kadyn Proctor will have one of the toughest tests in his young career.
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As of now, it’s not known if Mykel Williams will be back from injury in this game. If he is, his power profile at 6’5″, 265 pounds can be simply overwhelming.
Even if Williams can’t go, the true sophomore Proctor will still have his hands full. Jalon Walker is a speed-to-power menace at 6’2″, 250 pounds. While he’s not as alignment-versatile as Williams, he has the speed and bend to expand rush angles, with the strength to capitalize.
Georgia OTs Earnest Greene III, Xavier Truss vs. Alabama DL LT Overton
Without veteran guard Tate Ratledge, the Bulldogs will be shorthanded on the offensive front against Alabama. Jared Wilson and Dylan Fairchild should be able to hold their own, but tackles Earnest Greene III and Xavier Truss will face a challenge in LT Overton.
At 6’5″, 283 pounds, Overton has an enthralling mix of explosiveness, twitch, and power capacity, all of which is maximized by his red-hot motor. He’s a slab of rock in run defense, and Greene and Truss will have to stay balance in pass protection to stymy Overton’s force.
Georgia RB Trevor Etienne vs. Alabama LBs Deontae Lawson, Jihaad Campbell
Winning in the trenches comes first, but having a balanced offensive attack stem off of that success is always beneficial.
The Bulldogs have an extremely talented running back rotation led by Trevor Etienne. But even if Etienne can reach the second level, it won’t be smooth sailing from there.
The Crimson Tide lay claim to one of the best linebacker tandems in the nation. Deontae Lawson isn’t the strongest at contact, but he’s explosive, active, and intelligent, while up-and-comer Jihaad Campbell has the closing speed and power to jar ball carriers.
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