Alabama football faces its toughest test of the 2024 season on Saturday when Georgia visits Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be Kalen DeBoer’s first SEC challenge in his Crimson Tide coaching tenure and will mark Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s second return to Tuscaloosa since leaving his job as defensive coordinator at UA under Nick Saban.

The game is the centerpiece of Saturday’s college football schedule, with ESPN College Gameday (with Saban) in town and a primetime slot on ABC. Alabama and Georgia begin at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Before that, here are three keys to victory for the Crimson Tide.

Prevent explosive plays

Georgia has struggled to come out on top offensively all season. If Alabama’s defense can continue this trend, the Crimson Tide will be in great shape.

However, the threat is there. Quarterback Carson Beck certainly has the skills, and there are plenty of receivers who could have a breakout game, not least Dominic Lovett, who was a serious threat at Missouri before moving to Athens.

Alabama also has to deal with Trevor Ettiene, who is a home run threat in the run game. Even though the Bulldogs haven’t been able to find explosive plays so far, especially against Kentucky, the risk remains.

Crimson Tide players and coaches have spoken about the need to keep explosive plays to a minimum. This would put the game in the hands of Alabama’s offense, which has looked capable all season, which is a huge advantage for DeBoer’s group.

Make explosive plays

While the offense has struggled to make big plays, Georgia’s defense also doesn’t let up on explosives that often. If Alabama wants to be successful, it needs to turn this around.

The Crimson Tide struggled to maintain momentum early in the 2024 season. If it can reach the end zone via a long throw from Ryan Williams or a run from Jam Miller, that’s fine.

However, if Alabama is suppressed, Bryant-Denny could be in for a long night. Maybe UA can figure out how to extend drives in a new way that would mitigate the damage, but it’s more likely that finding explosive plays will be the key.

The Tide has the players who can do it. It’s up to them to make it happen and the Tide coaches to come up with something special.

Create a Heisman moment

Saturday’s game features two quarterbacks who could be legitimate Heisman Trophy contenders by the end of the season. If Jalen Milroe wants to make an early splash in the contest, a strong performance against Georgia would help him gain some serious traction.

Milroe is key to Alabama’s offensive attack this season, whether because he showcases his elite arm talent or because he is perhaps the Crimson Tide’s most dangerous number in the run game.

Meanwhile, the Bulldog defense is strong. An elite game from Milroe against UGA would undoubtedly do more for his candidacy than anything he could have done against Western Kentucky, South Florida or Wisconsin.

Should Milroe put in a standout performance, it would go a long way in helping the Crimson Tide secure a win on Saturday.