Alabama routs Georgia 38-10
Reports of Alabama football's demise were extremely premature.
The Tide started the week as an underdog at sports books for the first time since 2009. Alabama definitely did not look like an underdog on Saturday against Georgia. In the midst of a driving rainstorm, Alabama controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and got some help from special teams in a 38-10 rout over Georgia in Athens.
The special teams' help started the rout. After forcing Georgia into its third straight three-and-out in the second quarter, freshman defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick came in unblocked on a punt and not only blocked the punt but scooped the ball up for a touchdown and a 17-3 lead. Following another Georgia punt, quarterback Jacob Coker hit freshman receiver Calvin Ridley for a 45-yard touchdown on Alabama's first offensive play of the series. The score at halftime was 24-3 and Georgia was shellshocked.
Perhaps non-coincidentally, Alabama running back Derrick Henry got his most work of the season. Henry, who had 67 carries through Alabama's first four games, had 26 carries against Georgia and ran for 148 yards. It was an average of 5.7 per carry.
The lone bright spot for Georgia was RB Nick Chubb, who got his 13th straight 100-yard game and set a Georgia record for most 100-yard games in a row. He sealed the record with an 83-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. But the touchdown really didn't mean anything; Alabama was leading 38-3 before Chubb's touchdown. Chubb finished with 20 carries for 146 yards.
While Chubb got the record, Georgia quarterback Greyson Lambert looked nothing like the quarterback who set an FBS record for completion percentage against South Carolina. Lambert, whose girlfriend was crowned Miss Georgia at halftime, at one point had missed eight of nine passes in the first half. The streak led to being replaced by Brice Ramsey, though Ramsey might have been worse. While Lambert finished 10-of-24 passing for 86 yards, Ramsey was 1-for-6 with two interceptions.
The loss is undoubtedly depressing for Georgia fans, especially those who went to the game at Sanford Stadium in a driving rainstorm. But here's some optimism for them: there could be a rematch in the SEC championship game. Georgia still controls its destiny in a less-than-intimidating SEC East and if Ole Miss stumbles twice, Alabama could get to the title game if it goes undefeated.
And if Alabama does go undefeated the rest of the way, well, the College Football Playoff is still in play. Yeah, the Tide were less than convincing as Ole Miss beat them at home two weeks ago. But if you weren't convinced that Alabama can be a great team by watching this game, you're probably an Auburn fan. The Tide isn't perfect, but there may not be any college football teams this year who are anywhere close to it.
For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.
For more Georgia news, visit UGASports.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
