The circled week on the calendar has finally arrived. Since the SEC announced the dates of this season’s schedule last December, the countdown has been on for this week’s game between No. 4 Alabama and No. 2 Georgia. We’ll have all week to discuss the upcoming marquee matchup in Bryant-Denny Stadium. But before the Crimson Tide begins preparations for the Bulldogs, it’s time to take one last look in the mirror.

It’s been smooth sailing for Kalen Deboer, as Alabama rolled to blowout wins over Western Kentucky (63-0), South Florida (42-16) and Wisconsin (42-10) during his first three games at the helm. Heading into this weekend, the Crimson Tide ranked in the top 25 in total offense (No. 25, 466.7 yards per game), scoring offense (No. 7, 49 points per game), total defense (No. 19, 248 yards per game) and scoring defense (tied for No. 12, 8.7 points per game).

Those are the stats of a playoff-caliber team, especially in this year’s expanded field. But will DeBoer and company be able to navigate the harsher waters that lie ahead in Alabama’s SEC slate?

In this week’s column, I'll grade each of the Tide’s position groups before the team moves into the meat of its schedule. With that said, pull out your red pen, pour yourself a drink and let’s dive in.