Will Georgia's Historic Streak Be Broken?

Georgia currently has an unprecedented streak on defense: 18 games without allowing a rushing TD by a running back. Will it be broken this week?

Over the last 17 games, the University of Georgia is allowing just 68.19 rushing yards per game. It's a mark that's by far the nation's best. However, during that period, it's not the most impressive statistic from the Georgia defense.

Georgia hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back in 18 games; not a single one.

The last running back to find the end zone against the Bulldogs was Josh Jacobs in the 2018 SEC Championship Game. Now, as the Dawgs head to Tuscaloosa for Saturday's matchup against Alabama, the streak is facing its biggest test yet.

Najee Harris leads the nation with 10 rushing touchdowns in  just three games this season, including five last week against Ole Miss.

Despite being mentioned in the same breath as backs like Jonathan Taylor, D'Andre Swift and JK Dobbins before the 2020 NFL Draft, to the surprise of many, Harris elected to return to college. Currently, he's the consensus top running back in the SEC, and the case could be made that he's the top back available in the 2021 NFL Draft, He is the conversation with Clemson's Travis Etienne.

However, the most daunting task facing Georgia heading into the game is that Alabama's biggest weapon might not even be Harris. The Crimson Tide have three of the top seven receivers in yardage in the SEC.

• Jaylen Waddle: 396 yards, third in the SEC
• Devonta Smith: 316 yards, fifth in the SEC
• John Metchie II: 298 yards, seventh in the SEC

Metchie is averaging an astounding 27.09 yards per reception, which leads the conference. Alabama has a juggernaut offense that Georgia will work to contain Saturday. It's led by quarterback Mac Jones, who has completed a staggering 79.52 percent of his passes through three games.

As for the offensive line, the Crimson Tide has allowed just two sacks, and they are third in the conference with 175.33 rushing yards per game. Saying this will be be the biggest test of the year for the Bulldogs defense is a vast understatement.

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