Kalen DeBoer previews a ‘balanced’ Georgia team, compliments Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton
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While it isn’t the battle of unbeatens many hoped it would be before the season began, next Saturday’s Alabama vs. Georgia matchup still carries all of the usual SEC and national title implications that it’s exhibited in the past.
The Crimson Tide have rallied from an opening loss to Florida State by cruising to wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Wisconsin, while Georgia received its first true test of the season last weekend and narrowly escaped Knoxville with a victory.
With still more than a week to go until Kalen DeBoer & Co. visit Athens, the Alabama head coach had plenty of positive things to say about the program Kirby Smart has constructed over the years and his current squad.
On his ‘Hey Coach’ radio show, DeBoer emphasized “[They’re] just a balanced football team that’s gonna compete right till the very end. It doesn’t matter if they’re up or down.”
Last week’s victory over the Vols, which featured multiple comeback efforts from Smart’s Bulldogs, is a testament to DeBoer’s words.
And the Crimson Tide’s head man also raved about the way the Georgia offense has performed thus far, specifically applauding quarterback Gunner Stockton for spearheading such a well-balanced unit.
“They’re just gonna keep playing, and they’re gonna have a good mix of run with pass. Just a balanced team in every way that you look at it, and that’s a group that’s got some experience,” DeBoer said. “Maybe a couple spots where there’s some young guys in there. But at quarterback, Gunner Stockton has already played in some big games, whether it be at the end of the year last year or this last week. So, he’s got that experience.”
DeBoer went on to point out how the Bulldogs’ skill position players–both young and old–have stood out this season, with USC transfer Zachariah Branch leading a talented and much-improved group.
But in the end DeBoer wants to his group to be focused on themselves, because in the pressure chamber that will be Sanford Stadium on Sept. 27, all they’ll have are each other.
“There are some new guys that are in the mix at some of the skill positions on offense, and a lot of the same numbers are popping up on film at different spots,” DeBoer said. “So they know what it takes, and going over there, going on the road, it’ll be a great test, a great challenge for us. And our guys, as we go through the week, I can already tell that they’re excited about the new challenge, and just the momentum that we’re building, because that’s what we’re really focused on. It’s all about us.”
Current sports editor with the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Mississippi. 2024 graduate from Mizzou and college athletics enthusiast.
