Nick Saban isn’t big on most stats. Don’t even bother mentioning sacks.

There are a few, however, that Alabama’s coach points to as key indicators of success. Third-down efficiency, turnover margin and explosive plays. Win those areas and you’re more likely to have a successful outcome.

That’s what makes this SEC Championship showdown between No. 1 Alabama and fourth-ranked Georgia so interesting. Saban on Wednesday said these two are in this position as a result of their efficiency in these key measures.

Alabama and Georgia are both top-10 in third-down offense while the Tide is 9th and the Bulldogs 13th stopping the opposition in those turning point moments.

Turnovers give a slight advantage to Alabama. The plus-10 margin ranks No. 9 while Georgia is No. 44 at plus-3.

“I know that we’ve been on our defense to get more turnovers the last few games,” Saban said, “and there was a period of time in there I thought the ball was on the ground too much. But it was better in the last game.”

Alabama’s gained exactly seven fumbles (75th) and lost seven (41st). There were two lost fumbles against The Citadel and another the week earlier in the win over Mississippi State.

Georgia isn’t one to create many turnovers in the passing game. Its six interceptions are the 109th most in FBs, but that plays into the next category.

The Bulldogs don’t take as many risks on defense, keeping safeties deep and limiting big plays. The 25 plays of 20-plus yards lead the nation while Alabama is No. 32 giving up 49. Offensively, they are both top-13 in producing 20-yard plays with the Tide getting 88 to Georgia’s 74.

“We made a lot more explosive plays, but we also gave up a few,” Saban said. “That’s something that we need to get cleaned up.”

Alabama vs. Georgia in key stat categories

3rd down offense

1. Army 57.1%

3. Alabama 53.4

7. Georgia 49.6

3rd down defense

1. Miami 23.7%

9. Alabama 30.9

13. Georgia 31.6

Turnover margin

1. Georgia Southern +22

9. Alabama +10

44. Georgia +3

20-yard plays offense

1. Oklahoma 99

3. Alabama 88

13. Georgia 74

20-yard plays allowed on defense

1. Georgia 25

32. Alabama 48

Michael Casagrande is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.