The matchup we have all been begging for is FINALLY here. What does each team have to do in order to lift the trophy? Here are my keys to the 2023 SEC Championship Game for each team.
Keys to win for Alabama & Georgia in the 2023 SEC Championship Game
Alabama
1. Effective QB Running – Georgia has been exposed defensively in one particular aspect this season across multiple games, and that is their inability to stop running quarterbacks. Payton Thorne and Haynes King had plenty of success running the football against this Georgia front seven, which looks porous in comparison to prior groups. Jalen Milroe is the most athletic QB in the country and can make the Dawgs pay if Coach Smart doesn’t shift their scheme.
2. Hit Carson Beck – Alabama ranks Top 5 in the country in sacks per game with 3+. Stud Linebacker Dallas Turner is no stranger to a game against UGA, and he will be eager to add to his sack total of 8 this Saturday. This ferocious pass rush from Turner and company must show up to slow down Mike Bobo and the Georgia offense. The talent from this group is undeniable.
Georgia
1. Run the Ball – Same thing every year, right? The key to the machine that is this offense is its ability to run successfully. Running backs Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton have been running through everyone, allowing Carson Beck to feel comfortable in play action and deep ball scenarios. If this offensive line can get consistent push in the trenches, the Tide could be playing catch-up.
2. Contain Milroe – As stated before, Jalen Milroe is the most athletic and dangerous QB in College Football because of his dynamic playmaking ability as a runner. He is still a solid throwing quarterback, but if Georgia can keep him inside the pocket and eliminate his running chances, it takes away a key facet of this Alabama offense. In obvious passing situations, the Georgia front seven must make Milroe pass the ball and not allow him to get outside.
Both Teams
Special Teams and penalties can often get lost in the discussions ahead of big games. The team that is sound on special teams and stays disciplined to avoid penalties could earn the slight edge that gives them a win. Every little thing matters in the 2023 SEC Championship Game.