SEC Championship position edge: Mizzou vs. Alabama
Taking a position-by-position look at the SEC Championship Game, here’s what to watch for in Saturday’s showdown between top-ranked Alabama and upset-minded Mizzou:
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QUARTERBACK — Alabama: The SEC’s most efficient quarterback this season, Alabama’s Blake Sims rebounded from an uncharacteristic, mistake-filled first half during last week’s win over auburn with three touchdown passes after intermission, dissecting the Tigers’ secondary for 312 total yards through the air. The fifth-year senior’s confidence has grown as the season’s progressed as one of the Crimson Tide’s leaders on offense. his adversary, Maty Mauk, couldn’t be anymore different. Mauk’s not a pocket passer, prefers throwing on the run and freelances a bit when plays break down. It’s a strength for the sophomore playmaker, but also leads to questionable decisions (SEC-leading 11 interceptions and the second-worst completion percentage among starting quarterbacks at 53.5). Early-season faults aside, Mauk’s been the reason Mizzou’s won six straight games heading into the Georgia Dome and ultimately is the Tigers’ primary weapon against a fierce front seven.
RUNNING BACKS — Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s game plan over the second half of the season has been unfair to tired, worn out defenses — steady dose of T.J. Yeldon following by a fresh Derrick Henry. The between-the-tackles mindset with both quality backs has worked out well for Alabama and opened holes downfield when defenders approach the line of scrimmage. Mizzou’s scored the second-fewest touchdowns on the ground (15) in the SEC, but Russell Hansbrough’s been a load to bring down when given opportunity. When he’s carried the football at least 19 times this season, the junior workhorse is averaging 125.8 yards per game. When he hasn’t, that number falls to 55.8.
WIDE RECEIVERS, TIGHT END — Alabama: As one of college football’s most dynamic players, Amari Cooper has a grand stage to make his Heisman finalist case on Saturday against the Eastern Division’s fourth-best unit against the pass. Cooper’s shattered several school records this fall and ranks second in the nation in catches (103), yards (1,573) and touchdowns (14). On the opposite sideline, Bud Sasser has stepped up as Mauk’s go-to guy following the dismissal of Dorial Green-Beckham before the season, but the Tigers are still searching for their true No. 2. Jimmie Hunt fits the mold, but he’s struggled with drops despite hauling in 34 receptions for 529 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior.
OFFENSIVE LINE — Alabama: Sims’ mobility certain helps the Crimson Tide’s strength at the line of scrimmage, but a patched together offensive line has fared quite well for Nick Saban’s team down the stretch. Center Ryan Kelly has recovered from a previous ailment while left tackle Cam Robinson remains day-to-day with a shoulder contusion suffered against Auburn. Mizzou’s also been injury-ravaged up front. The Tigers scrambled their offensive line rotation before the start of the SEC season and appear to have found a lineup that works. Mizzou’s given up 20 sacks all season, nine more than SEC-leader Alabama who ranks ninth nationally.
DEFENSIVE LINE — Mizzou: Shane Ray, Lucas Vincent and Markus Golden will all try and make their way into the Alabama backfield Saturday afternoon as leaders of a defense that flexes an SEC-best 38 sacks this season. From relative unknown to superstar status, Ray’s improved his draft stock tremendously is the frontrunner for the league’s defensive player of the year award with 12 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. This is one area the Tigers have a clear edge and could make things frustrating for the Crimson Tide. Mizzou would like to erase last year’s painful memory of the SEC Championship Game after giving up a single-game best 304 yards rushing to junior tailback Tre Mason.
LINEBACKERS — Alabama: Reggie Ragland and the Alabama defense had their feelings hurt in last week’s Iron Bowl after giving up a season-high 630 yards of total offense to an Auburn offense that came into the game out of rhythm. Was it a bad game for Kirby Smart’s group or did it provide Mizzou with a glimmer of weakness for the Crimson Tide? Mizzou’s defense, notably its linebackers, have shown consistency down the stretch led by two of the SEC’s leading tacklers Kentrell Brothers (103) and Michael Sherrer (100). They aren’t as physical as Alabama’s contingent of run-stoppers but are highly-skilled in coverage and that’s key against a Kiffin-directed offense that executes well in the screen and short-yardage game. Running the football is going to be a challenge for the Tigers against a front seven that’s given up a national-low three touchdowns on the ground all season.
SECONDARY — Push: We’ve known all season that the Crimson Tide’s soft spot is in the secondary and the Auburn film revealed several breakdowns that led to highlight-worthy receptions from Sammie Coates. Mizzou doesn’t have a field-stretcher of the same caliber, but Sasser’s capable of causing damage at the back end if Mauk has time. Landon Collins and Braylon Webb are two of the hardest hitters on the field and each player for their respective team will be spotlighted when the ball’s in the air.