The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Sports

In less than three days, Georgia could reach a turning point in its season. If Georgia beats Alabama, it has all the momentum in its favor heading into the next two weeks. If the Bulldogs lose, then it could possibly knock the wind out of them as the players again will be forced to regroup. Here are five keys to watch in Saturday's contest.

1. How the offensive line deals with Alabama's 92,138 fans

Georgia's offensive line already knows it. It's going to be incredibly loud inside Bryant-Denny Stadium and for the first time this season, the fans will be cheering against them. Head coach Mark Richt already has stated this is a concern of his as he said linemen Trinton Sturdivant, Chris Davis, Clint Boling and Scott Haverkamp have not experienced the type of environment in Tuscaloosa.

"It's a concern," Richt said. "We'll probably do something in regard to the noise factor. There are ways to get our guys a feel of what it takes to concentrate in that kind of atmosphere, but they are about to live through something they have never been through before."

2. Bryan Evans must have his breakout game

The sophomore cornerback needs to show why he's Georgia top cornerback in an extremely crucial match-up. Evans will see a lot of Alabama standout receiver DJ Hall and he will need to contain Hall's big play potential. Hall had a whale of a game against Arkansas last week, catching six passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

"They have a very solid receiving corps and basically DJ is a standout player," Evans said. "He's probably going to be the deep threat going into this game so I'm looking at a lot of film. He's very impressive."

Evans will need to study that film hard in order to slow down Hall.

3. QB John Parker Wilson's presence in the pocket

While Wilson aired it out against Arkansas, his offensive line gave him quite a bit of time to make accurate throws. Georgia will have to be aggressive up front and make Wilson uncomfortable in the pocket. However, against Arkansas, Wilson showed his ability to read blitzes as he repeatedly found a man in the middle of the field on Alabama's final drive when Arkansas sent extra men. If Wilson picks up blitzes and releases the ball in time, Georgia could be in for a lot of trouble.

4. Georgia's Wide Receivers. Period.

Of course Georgia's wide receivers are going to be important. They cannot afford to make the same mistakes they did against South Carolina and throughout last season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has confidence in his unit and if the receivers can project that confidence upon themselves, then they should be fine. The receivers will have to help out their quarterback on third down situations by holding on to the ball and running precise routes.

5. Georgia's backfield vs. Alabama's rush defense

Alabama could not stop Darren McFadden or Felix Jones last week, but realistically, who can? After holding its first two opponents to a combined 133 rushing yards, Alabama gave up 301 on the ground to Arkansas. Georgia's Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown have been successful and will need to establish themselves early. It will all depend on if Arkansas' ground game is just that unstoppable, or if there is a chink in the armor of the Crimson Tide's rush defense.

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