Alabama Defense Forces 8 Interceptions as Keelon Russell Averages 280 Passing Yards
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 8
Alabama Defense Forces 8 Interceptions as Keelon Russell Averages 280 Passing Yards
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Oct 8
Summary
Alabama enters the matchup with an opportunistic defense that has produced 4 pick-sixes, ranks second nationally in turnovers gained and seventh in turnover margin, and allows fewer than 80 rushing yards a game.
Keelon Russell adds the biggest threat on offense, averaging more than 280 passing yards with 11 touchdowns against 2 interceptions; over his last three games he has thrown 10 TDs, no picks and topped 320 yards a game.
Russell's mobility compounds the problem: he extends plays, throws deep after escaping pressure and is averaging more than 13 yards per scramble attempt, putting a premium on pass-rush lane discipline.
Alabama's ground game is less flashy but still dangerous, with its top three backs each averaging more than 40 yards a game and about 5 yards per carry in a committee approach.
The broader picture is a more settled Alabama team in the DeBoer-Grubb-Wommack systems, even if its passing attack ranks only fourth in the SEC and its rushing production sits closer to the middle of the conference.
Can rapidly rising star Keelon Russell dismantle Georgia's top-ranked defense, or will the Bulldogs' veteran composure secure a crucial SEC victory?
With a looming hurricane threatening Tuscaloosa, will Alabama's explosive passing or Georgia's elite run defense survive the extreme weather conditions?