Tonight, the Dawgs step between the hedges for the first time in the Smart era with Alabama as the opponent. During this home winning streak, Georgia has rarely been challenged, but the game tonight is the opponent who can end the streak.

Dawg fans, I understand the first 2 home games of the season were snoozefests, and we all didn’t bring our best. Tomorrow night is not the time to decide to leave with a voice.

Let’s get to the preview.

When Georgia has the ball

Tomorrow night is not the time to have a sleepy start or to start turning the ball over. Those two things killed us in Tuscaloosa last year as the team dug themselves a deep hole. FSU put up 230 yards on the ground on these guys (yes, I understand Keenan was out and will be available tomorrow night). It would be a great time to put up a solid 180-200 yards on the ground to keep the Bama offense on the sideline and their defense conflicted between run and pass.

Staying in front of the chains is going to be what I’m watching for from our offense tonight. If we can do that, I like our chances.

I worry about right tackle. If we can’t get good line play from the right side, it could be a long night.

When Alabama has the ball

If we thought Tennessee had good receivers, we are going to see a stable of wideouts who can make plays. Bernard and Williams may make people think of Metchie and Williams. We need to make Ty Simpson uncomfortable. While Kirby would like to do that with 4, we’re going to need to bring some pressure to heat up Simpson.

This may be the biggest test of our defensive line faces this season.

What will happen

I expect a 4 quarter game tonight. In the absence of turnovers, I don’t think either team is going to run away and hide.

I do think home field advantage matters tonight.

Did I mention we need to create that advantage?

Final score: Georgia 27, Alabama 24