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Georgia is still weeks away from playing Alabama as the two sides won’t meet until the SEC Championship game Dec. 1 in Atlanta.
But that hasn’t stopped some from looking ahead to the big matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - and what the Bulldogs will have to do to pull the upset against the top-ranked Crimson Tide.
SEC Network analyst and former Georgia quarterback DJ Shockley said there were two areas where the Bulldogs have to be able to take advantage of Alabama in order to win. The first was in the passing game.
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"I think for Georgia, it has to be the efficiency throwing the football," Shockley said on the SEC Network's SEC Now. "Offensively, they have to find ways to create explosive plays and then be able to throw it down field with a Mecole Hardman. He (Hardman) is a guy they have to get more involved."
Hardman had a touchdown in each of Georgia’s first four games this season but hasn’t found the end zone since. The junior wide receiver also had an 80-yard touchdown against Alabama in the national championship game last season. But the Crimson Tide were still able to win that game, coming out on top 26-23 in overtime.
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Shockley also said that Georgia has to get the better of Alabama in the special-teams department. Hardman has proven to be a weapon as a punt returner this season in addition to his duties as a wide receiver.
“Special teams was a huge part of the national championship game last year with their field goal kicker,” Shockley said. “If Georgia can create some bigger plays on special teams and explosive plays down the field, you’ve got a chance of possibly slowing down Alabama and forcing them to play more coverage.”
The Bulldogs do have a clear advantage in the kicking game, as junior Rodrigo Blankenship is one of the nation’s best kickers.
2018 scores, schedule: Alabama | Georgia - More UGA coverage on ajc.com
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