Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Defensive Players to Watch Vs. Alabama
By John Buhler
Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Sterling Bailey (58) reacts after the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama is going to want to pound the rock to open up the pass for new starting QB Jacob Coker. For that to effectively work, RBs Derrick Henry and Kenyon Drake will have to move the chains both up the middle and off tackle. Expect DT Sterling Bailey to help anchor the Dawgs on the interior of the defensive line on Saturday.
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The Senior from Gainesville, along with fellow DT Chris Mayes, have been instrumental in the strong play of the defensive line this season. It seems that DL Coach Tracy Rocker is getting the most out of his players this season, as his unit can both stuff the run and rush the passer.
I see Bailey as a little more mobile than Mayes, which could mean that Sterling could have more opportunities to disrupt Coker and/or stuff the run on 3rd and short situations.
Bailey should benefit from his teammates attacking the U of A offense at all angles on Saturday. Look for Sterling Bailey to have 1.5 tackles for a loss of yardage and maybe half a sack in this game.
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