'Bama vs. Georgia this afternoon...

Alabama tries to go 12-1 in the conference today

      Alabama (16-5) takes on the Georgia Bulldogs (12-7) tonight at 2:30 PM on the SEC Network.  The Tide is currently 11-1 in the Conference,, and 'Dawgs are a lack-luster 5-7. Alabama finds itself a prohibitive 13-point favorite this morning. Alabama is back home after two road games.  The Tide is probably glad to get back into the friendly confines of Coleman Coliseum after a challenging road game against South Carolina. That game saw another injury. Juwan Gary injured his shoulder and will not play today. Jordan Bruner is still unable to go, so Alex Reese and James Rojas will attempt to hold down the middle.  

     Rojas played some critical minutes against South Carolina. He hit two must make free-throws to ice the game. Reese has played better lately, and Alabama needs some big minutes from him today.  John Petty, Jr. had 20 against Carolina and played a tremendous all-around game.  Jahvon Quinerly seems to be recovered from his illness. Herb Jones will likely play,, but his effectiveness is limited. He had 7 assists last time out but couple that with 4 turnovers. I bet that Nat Oates told his team that ball security is paramount today.  22 turnovers against South Carolina was enough to get you beat most games. 

     Joshua Primo made a couple of threes in the last game,  and perhaps he's going to step up today from the outside. Shackleford is always hustling, and takes it to the hoop the way Oats wants him to execute. He is also a deadly outside shooter. Let's hope that the Tide can re-establish their perimeter game.  I think things will improve when Jordan Burner is back on the floor and into playing shape.  His presence in the last three game will be of great importance to the Tide. I'm beginning to wonder if he is coming back at all. That is why Gary's injury is so significant. 

KEYS TO THE GAME:

• The Tide must defend Savir Wheeler.  Wheeler set's up the Georgia defense. This is a must do.
• Alabama has to give up as few offensive rebounds to Georgia as possible. Georgia is a good offensive board team. If you force Georgia to take some bad shots (by doing #1) it puts additional pressure on the Dawgs to get some second shots. If the Dogs commit an extra man to the boards look for Bama to run and gun.
• Petty, Primo, Reese, and Quinerly needs to make some threes. Herb can help out there as well.  Asking Jones to play the point will delay his recovery.  

     If Alabama wins today they can see the exit ramp to claim the SEC regular season crown. Today, LSU plays Tennessee. The loser will pick up their 5th SEC loss.  The loser of the Missouri - Arkansas game will have five losses. Two teams will see their chase to win the SEC Crown will be over.  If Alabama wins the next three games they will win the conference title.  Not bad for the second year under Nate Oates.