SEC INSIDER

Star backs headline Alabama-Georgia showdown

Lindyssports.com Staff

October 01, 2015 at 9:06 pm.

No. 13 Alabama visits No. 8 Georgia on Saturday in an early October game with major playoff implications.

The undefeated Bulldogs (4-0) can make a major statement with win over an Alabama team looking to regain any national respect that was lost two weeks ago after a sloppy performance in a loss to Ole Miss.

Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

In wins over South Carolina and Southern, the transfer from Virginia has completed 33 of 35 passes for 476 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

In contrast, Alabama’s quarterback play has been inconsistent and influx. Senior Jake Coker appears to be the No. 1 QB again, but has already tossed five interceptions, second most in the SEC. In reality, neither team should be relying too much on their quarterback, not with the horses they each have in the backfields.

Georgia sophomore Nick Chubb has rushed for more than 100 yards in his last 12 games, the longest such streak in the nation. He’s already rushed for 599 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry, with six touchdowns.

Alabama’s Derek Henry is equally as potent, averaging 6.3 yards per carry with eight touchdowns. Henry, all 6-3, 241 pounds of him, can take over games, especially late against worn down defenses.

“He’s a punishing runner, Georgia coach Mark Richt said of Henry. “I mean I don’t know if I could compare him so much with (Nick) Chubb other than they both carry the load for their team and they’re both physical backs, tackle breakers.”

NOTES, QUOTES

PLAYERS TO WATCH

–RB Nick Chubb: The sophomore rushed for 131 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns against Southern. The Heisman candidate has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark in his last 12 games, the longest such streak in the nation.

–QB Greyson Lambert: A transfer from Virginia who didn’t arrive in Athens until July, Lambert has completed 33 of 35 passes for 476 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.

–WR Malcolm Mitchell: Hampered by injuries throughout his career, Mitchell is off to a good start to his senior season. He has caught touchdown passes in two straight games and has emerged as Lambert’s go-to target.