The Crimson Tide began the season ranked No. 24, but have steadily climbed the poll in coach Nick Saban's second season in Tuscaloosa.
"We are playing a great team - a top 10 team and one that is coached by one of the finest coaches in America," Richt said. "They have been tested, they just have whipped everybody so bad it didn't seem like they were."
The biggest reason for the Crimson Tide's rise was its 34-10 opening victory over preseason No. 9 Clemson. After a sloppy win over Tulane the following week, Alabama has been impressive in its past two victories, beating Western Kentucky 41-7 on Sept. 13 and routing Arkansas 49-14 last Saturday behind Glen Coffee's 162 yards rushing and two scores.
"Arkansas was definitely over with as soon as we left that locker room," Alabama safety Rashad Johnson said. "I think guys have been looking forward to this (Georgia) game for a long time."
Coffee is gaining 8.6 yards per carry to rank sixth in the country among players who average at least 10 carries per game. The junior set the Alabama single-game record by averaging 16.2 yards per attempt at Arkansas.
"We have one of the best offensive lines in the country," said Coffee, who had an 87-yard touchdown run. "You can't do a better job of blocking than they did."
WEEK 5 PICKS
No comments:
Post a Comment