Main storylines for SEC football in Week 6

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In SEC football Week 6, two huge games overshadow the rest of the schedule. While Arkansas tries to play a close SEC game against Tennessee, two heavyweight showdowns will attract national attention. Let's take a look:

1 – Alabama defense has to hold the line against Georgia

There's no question that Alabama can score. The Crimson Tide have consistently scored in the 40s or higher this season. Quarterback Keelon Russell is an electric talent with a bright future. The question facing coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide is if they can slow down Georgia and Gunner Stockton. Georgia's offense has been highly productive. Stockton is a proven, seasoned veteran who is used to playing in high-pressure games and extremely tense situations, much more so than Russell. Alabama doesn't have to be spectacular on defense, but it has to make timely plays and prevent Georgia from becoming a full-on steamroller.

2 – Georgia defense has a lot to prove in its own right

The Georgia defense got lit up by Ole Miss twice last season, once in the regular season and then in the Sugar Bowl playoff quarterfinal game. Kirby Smart used to have ruthless and smothering defenses at Georgia. That's how he won the 2021 national championship (2022 was more about the offense getting the job done, especially in the Peach Bowl semifinal game against Ohio State and CJ Stroud). For Georgia to remain on top of the SEC and to contend for the national title, this Dawg defense has to evolve and find enough toughness to turn away a potent offense. It's not that different from what Alabama's defense needs to do against Georgia: Allow yards, but stiffen in the red zone. Force just enough field goals to keep the opponent in the low 30s or high 20s instead of the high 30s or low 40s. The team which scores 35 might win this game. The team which gives up 45 will almost certainly lose it.

3 – Arch Manning against a Venables defense

Arch Manning is not an elite quarterback, or at least, he certainly isn't playing like one. The main concern for Arch is to avoid key turnovers and convert a reasonable percentage of third downs so that Texas establishes good field position and forces a bad Oklahoma offense to drive 80 yards or more to score touchdowns. Arch doesn't have to win the game; he just has to avoid losing it.

4 – Oklahoma offense has to find something

Oklahoma might hold down Texas, but the Sooners will likely need to score 17 to 20 points. How will the Sooners find that much offense? It figures to be an uphill battle against a quality Texas defensive line. OU doesn't seem likely to be able to drive 80 yards in 10 plays and six minutes. The Sooners will need to hit a few huge plays and gain large chunks of yardage. Dink-and-dunk won't cut it.

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