TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Georgia football coach Kirby Smart and Alabama coach Nick Saban are known for their defensive wizardry, rising up through the coaching ranks as assistants and defensive coordinators.
But both Smart and Saban — also once collegiate defensive backs — have offenses that rank among the best in the nation.
The No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC) and No. 5-ranked Georgia (11-1, 7-1) will enter the SEC Championship Game next Saturday at 4 p.m. with offenses averaging more than 40 points.
SEC Network analysts D.J Shockley and Jordan Rodgers, former quarterbacks at Vanderbilt and Georgia, respectively, provided a quick first glance at what the Tide and Bulldogs do best on offense.
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“If you look at Alabama’s offense, the RPOs is one thing they do so good,” Rodgers said, “and one of the reasons is because of what they are able to do with their personnel.”
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The Tide has speedy receivers, including Biletnikoff Award finalist Jerry Jeudy, along with ultra-talented tight end Irv Smith and a deep, talented backfield.
Shockley, meanwhile, pointed to Georgia’s explosive run game, and how there’s more to it than backs Elijah Holyfield and D’Andre Swift.
“For Georgia it’s all about second level blocking, you have to be able to block on the second level,” Shockley said, pointing out how tight end Isaac Nauta and receiver Jeremiah Holloman helped spring a dynamic Swift run. “It creates huge runs and explosive runs for your offense.”
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart has been preaching all season about the importance of downfield blocking, also praising receivers Tyler Simmons and Terry Godwin for their ability to get things done, along with tight end Charlie Woerner.
Georgia finished the regular season leading the SEC in rushing yardage per game.
