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Alabama vs. Georgia score prediction: Picks against the spread for SEC championship game

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Alabama vs. Georgia score prediction: Picks against the spread for SEC championship game


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The culmination of the SEC’s 2023 college football season all comes down to Saturday’s conference title game.

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Naturally, it’s between No. 1 Georgia (12-0, 8-0 in SEC play) and No. 8 Alabama (11-1, 7-1). The Kirby Smart-led Bulldogs and Nick Saban-led Crimson Tide will meet yet again with the SEC title on the line, with both previous meetings in Atlanta going in the direction of the Tide in 2018 and 2021.

REQUIRED READING: SEC bowl projections: College Football Playoff, New Year’s Six predictions after Week 13

There’s more to Saturday’s meeting than conference supremacy of even the relationship between Saban and Smart: a potential College Football Playoff appearance is on the line as well. The Crimson Tide must beat Georgia to even have a chance at making the CFP (a tall task in and of itself) but even then likely needs both of Florida State and Texas to lose in the ACC and Big 12 title games, respectively.

One could argue two-time defending national champion Georgia, riding a 29-game win streak into Atlanta, has already punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff. But the Bulldogs will want to erase all doubt as to its status as the No. 1 team in the country.

CFB RANKINGS: College football rankings: SEC teams in updated Coaches Poll, AP Top 25 after Week 13

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Before we get into picks, here is how our experts have fared through this part of the season.

(Note: experts are ranked in order of overall record, followed by straight-up record the previous week; record against the spread; and record against the spread last week).

Expert Record (last week) Against the spread* (last week)
Kevin Brockway, The Gainesville Sun 97-14 (8-1) 20-21-1 (2-7)
Emily Adams, Greenville News 97-14 (8-1) 19-22-1 (3-6)
Richard Silva, The Montgomery Advertiser 96-15 (8-1) 22-19-1 (5-4)
Calum McAndrew, Columbia Daily Tribune 95-16 (8-1) 26-15-1 (2-7)
Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald 94-17 (8-1) 20-21-1 (4-5)
Stefan Krajisnik, Clarion Ledger 94-17 (8-1) 20-21-1 (2-7)
Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel 94-17 (8-1) 19-22-1 (3-6)
Ryan Black, The Courier Journal 94-17 (8-1) 19-22-1 (3-6)
Koki Riley, The Daily Advertiser 92-19 (8-1) 22-20 (5-4)
Aria Gerson, Tennessean 92-19 (8-1) 21-20-1 (5-4)
Jackson Fuller, Southwest Times Record 92-19 (8-1) 18-23-1 (3-6)
David Eckert, Clarion Ledger 91-20 (8-1) 21-20-1 (4-5)
Nick Kelly, Tuscaloosa News 91-20 (8-1) 20-21-1 (6-3)
* Began in Week 8

And here’s how they are picking the SEC championship game between Georgia and Alabama to play out, including straight up and against the spread:

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Nov. 28

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REQUIRED READING: Final SEC Power Rankings: Iron Bowl madness, Jayden Daniels’ Heisman, free vetoes at Texas A&M

No. 1 Georgia (-5.5) vs. No. 8 Alabama (Atlanta)

  • Kevin Brockway, The Gainesville Sun: Georgia wins 35-20 and covers the spread
  • Emily Adams, Greenville News: Georgia wins 31-23 and covers the spread
  • Richard Silva, The Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama wins 31-28 in an upset
  • Calum McAndrew, Columbia Daily Tribune: Georgia wins 35-21 and covers the spread
  • Ryan Black, The Courier Journal: Georgia wins 37-31 and covers the spread
  • Jackson Fuller, Southwest Times Record: Georgia wins 27-20 and covers the spread
  • Stefan Krajisnik, Clarion Ledger: Georgia wins 31-27 but doesn’t cover the spread
  • Adam Sparks, Knoxville News Sentinel: Georgia wins 31-20 and covers the spread
  • David Eckert, Clarion Ledger: Georgia wins 34-20 and covers the spread.
  • Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia wins 31-24 and covers the spread
  • Koki Riley, The Daily Advertiser: Georgia wins 31-14 and covers the spread
  • Nick Kelly, Tuscaloosa News: Georgia wins 27-23 but doesn’t cover the spread
  • Aria Gerson, Tennessean: Georgia wins 33-24 and covers the spread



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Alabama Football at Oklahoma Injury Updates

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Alabama Football at Oklahoma Injury Updates


NORMAN, Okla.–– The Alabama football team stayed relatively healthy in last week’s game against Mercer after suffering a few season-ending injuries in the weeks before with guys like Cole Adams and Que Robinson.

Adams, Robinson and defensive back on Keon Sabb are the only three Crimson Tide players who have showed up on the official SEC availability report this week as Alabama prepares to face Oklahoma on Saturday night. However, the Sooners have a long list of players on the report

Follow along for injury updates throughout Saturday’s game between the Crimson Tide and Sooners.

In-game injury updates

First Quarter

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  • 11:30- Overton is back on the field for Alabama’s second defensive series.
  • 14:30- Alabama defensive tackle LT Overton goes down on the first drive of the game. He is brielfy looked at by medical staff, but is able to walk off the field on his own. However, he headed straight for the injury tent.

Pregame

Alabama Final Availability Report

  • Keon Sabb, DB – Out
  • Cole Adams, WR – Out
  • Que Robinson, LB – Out

Oklahoma Final Availability Report

  • Jayden Gibson, WR – Out
  • Jalil Farooq, WR- Out
  • Nic Anderson, WR – Out
  • Andrel Anthony, WR – Out
  • Gentry Williams, DB – Out
  • Kendel Dolby, DB – Out
  • Geirean Hatchett, OL – Out
  • Jacob Sexton, OL – Out
  • Jake Taylor, OL – Out
  • Deion Burks, WR – Out
  • Jovantae Barnes, RB – Game-time decision
  • Joshua Bates, OL – Out

Read more: What Happened to the Players who Transferred From Alabama Last Year?

Why One Alabama Assistant Has Been Losing Sleep this Week

Where Alabama Football Ranks in the College Football Playoff Poll



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Oklahoma-Alabama GameDay Preview: Under the Radar

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Oklahoma-Alabama GameDay Preview: Under the Radar


These can feel like grasping at straws sometimes, but in this case, I really think Jacob Jordan can be the difference for the OU passing game. Deion Burks probably isn’t going to play. Jalil Farooq has already been downgraded to questionable after he gave it a try two weeks ago at Mizzou. The return of those two players — for better or worse — did almost nothing for the offense in Columbia. Meanwhile, as the coaching staff inserted their stars back into the lineup, it came at the expense of Jordan, the true freshman walk-on who had blossomed in a three-week stretch, catching six passes for 86 yards against South Carolina, six for 38 and a touchdown at Ole Miss and three for 36 against Maine. At Mizzou? Jordan got to play one snap and was relegated to the end of the bench. OU defenders say he’s a frustrating player to cover because he runs such precise routes and catches almost everything. Also, when Jackson Arnold was benched and running the scout team, he developed some chemistry with Jordan. The Sooner staff would be wise to utilize him against the Crimson Tide.

— John E. Hoover

Alright, a Butkus Award semifinalist and the heartbeat of Oklahoma’s football team is probably too high-profile to qualify as “under the radar,” but it’s Senior Night and I’m going to bend the rules. Stutsman was everywhere against Missouri, totaling 19 tackles and preventing the Tigers from having much of a rushing attack at all. He’s going to say all the right things, but Stutsman’s final game on Owen Field means a great deal to him and his family, and I expect we’ll see another fantastic outing from the talismanic linebacker. And Oklahoma will need it. Jalen Milroe’s ability on the ground makes Alabama’s entire offensive operation go. The teams that have had success bottling him up, Vanderbilt and Tennessee, were able to upend the Crimson Tide. Any path to a shock OU victory runs through a night to remember for Stutsman — something he’s completely capable of on Saturday. 

— Ryan Chapman 

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Even though Saturday marks Senior Day in Norman, the Sooners will be leaning heavily on a true freshman against the Crimson Tide. Coming off a career-high 56 yards on nine carries against Missouri, running back Xavier Robinson said he’s burning his redshirt seems to be in line for an increased share of the team’s carries this week when Alabama comes to town. If the Oklahoma City product has another strong performance, it could be enough to spark Oklahoma’s offense and keep the Sooners in contention against a formidable opponent who has been able to light up the scoreboard this season.

— Randall Sweet

The Sooners will need explosive plays to have a chance to take down Alabama. With receiver Deion Burks injured and sidelined again, the speedy Brenen Thompson might be OU’s best chance at a big play. Thompson has reached the end zone twice this season, and the last time was a 54-yard touchdown connection with Jackson Arnold, proving what Thompson is capable of if he and Arnold get the time they need. Alabama might also overlook the 5-foot-9 receiver and focus on a bigger threat like Jalil Farooq, possibly freeing Thompson, if even for one big play. 

— Dekota Gregory

Oklahoma’s wide receiver room has been a hot topic of conversation all season long. The Sooners have been banged up and the passing game has been extremely quiet. Whether it’s the quarterback spot, the offensive line, or the short handed receiver group, it’s been an all-around failure. Jalil Farooq has been injured for most of the season, but returned to the lineup against Missouri two weeks ago. He was expected to have a breakout campaign, but injuries have hampered his time on the field. Farooq looked rusty in his first week back, and it looked like he might not fully trust his foot yet. With a bye week in the past, this is the time for Farooq to make a difference, though. Oklahoma will desperately need him  with no other starting receivers healthy, and could force feed him early and often.

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— Ross Lovelace



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Alabama Department of Education releases 2023-24 report card

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Alabama Department of Education releases 2023-24 report card


DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – The Alabama State Department of Education released its annual report card for the 2023-2024 school year.

This report breaks down the overall academic success of the state.

Overall the state scored an 85, up two points from last school year. The ALSDE said, however, that academic achievement is low, scoring a D. Academic growth earned a 97. The state’s graduation rate scored an A. English language proficiency scored a 41.

College and Career Readiness for the state received an 84 B. The full report card for the state can be viewed here.

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The report also provides scores for individual schools and school systems.

The Coffee County School System scored a 90 overall, improving by one point from last school year.

Kinston saw a drop in chronic absenteeism from 8.44 to 6.62. New Brockton Elementary raised its overall grade from an 87 to a 90. New Brockton Middle School also saw a big drop in absenteeism this school year, going from 13 to 6.86. New Brockton High School also raised its score by three points, moving from an 80 to 83. A full breakdown of all Coffee County Schools is below:

School Overall Grade Academic Achievement Academic Growth Graduation Rate Chronic Absenteeism English Language Proficiency College and Career Readiness
Kinston 92 77.86 89.06 100 6.62 N/A 100
New Brockton Elementary 90 79.15 100 N/A 12.66 54.84 N/A
New Brockton Middle 79 63.40 93.39 N/A 6.86 21.62 N/A
New Brockton High School 83 42.90 84.26 100 9.29 N/A 100
Zion Chapel High School 93 73.31 99.75 100 13.09 100

The Enterprise City School System scored an 89 overall, keeping the same score as last school year.

Enterprise High School scored a 79, dropping from its 82 last year. Dauphin Jr. High raised its score by four points to 94. Pinedale Elementary’s overall score stayed the same but there was a three-point increase in academic achievement. The full breakdown of Enterprise City Schools scores is below:

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School Overall Grade Academic Achievement Academic Growth Graduation Rate Chronic Absenteeism English Language Proficiency College and Career Readiness
Brookwood Elementary 96 92.3 100 N/A 7.82 N/A N/A
Coppinville School 86 76.18 100 N/A 14.20 30.44 N/A
Dauphin Jr. High 94 88.50 100 N/A 5.10 45 N/A
Enterprise High School 79 55.74 92.47 90.11 13.28 15.39 80.42
Harrand Creek Elementary 84 75.92 90.86 N/A 14.96 55.36 N/A
Hillcrest Elementary 92 86.02 100 N/A 6.71 43.90 N/A
Pinedale Elementary 90 81.98 100 N/A 10.17 38.10 N/A
Rucker Boulevard Elementary 94 84.96 100 N/A 1.33 N/A N/A

Houston County School System raised its score by two points, going from an 87 to an 89. Ashford Elementary saw a large drop in absenteeism from 13 to 1.02. Wicksburg High School upped its graduation rate by 9 points. Cottonwood Elementary saw a jump in academic achievement from 75 to 80. A full breakdown of Houston County Schools scores is below:

School Overall Grade Academic Achievement Academic Growth Graduation Rate Chronic Absenteeism English Language Proficiency College and Career Readiness
Ashford Elementary 93 83.63 100 N/A 1.02 N/A N/A
Ashford Middle School 86 69.97 100 N/A 10.50 N/A N/A
Ashford High School 81 42.53 92.72 86.75 19.06 N/A 91.57
Cottonwood Elementary 92 80.56 100 N/A 2.05 N/A N/A
Cottonwood High School 89 62.61 98.50 96.83 14.18 N/A 95.24
Houston County High School 88 54.31 99.40 94.87 11.57 N/A 97.44
Houston County Virtual Academy 71 40.09 63.85 83.33 0.28 N/A 88.46
Rehobeth Elementary 93 87.10 100 N/A 3.02 35.71 N/A
Rehobeth Middle School 87 73.45 96.93 N/A 8.87 N/A N/A
Rehobeth High School 82 48.36 89.04 91.18 8.11 N/A 91.76
Rehobeth Primary 96 91.74 100 N/A 2.05 N/A N/A
Webb Elementary 95 88.26 100 N/A 1.05 N/A N/A
Wicksburg Elementary 97 92.72 100 N/A 1.83 N/A N/A
Wicksburg High School 95 83.49 100 97.18 5.86 N/A 95.77

Dothan City Schools overall scored a 79. So did Carver 9th Grade Academy. Dothan High School raised its score by 7 points to 78 and saw a drop in absenteeism. Highlands Elementary scored a 91 in academic growth. Dothan Prep saw an increase in English language proficiency, going from a 19 to 34. A full breakdown of all schools in the Dothan City School System is below:

School Overall Grade Academic Achievement Academic Growth Graduation Rate Chronic Absenteeism English Language Proficiency College and Career Readiness
Beverlye Intermediate School 62 37.84 77.61 N/A 18.64 N/A N/A
Carver 9th Grade Academy 79 41.34 96.81 N/A 13.81 N/A 66.46
Carver School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology 97 100 100 N/A 21.61 N/A N/A
Dothan City Virtual School 74 44.89 76.52 91.89 10.50 N/A 51.35
Dothan High School 78 41.34 96.81 89.11 27.75 N/A 66.46
Dothan Preparatory Academy 67 50.20 82.49 N/A 26.50 34.29 N/A
Faine Elementary 53 22.29 73.90 N/A 25.59 N/A N/A
Girard Intermediate School 61 35.66 82.27 N/A 37.22 N/A N/A
Girard Primary School 64 35.66 82.27 N/A 11.91 N/A N/A
Heard Elementary School 79 54.78 99.08 N/A 16.18 N/A N/A
Hidden Lake Primary School 63 37.84 77.61 N/A 14.17 N/A N/A
Highlands Elementary School 87 81.03 92.81 N/A 13.35 N/A N/A
Kelly Springs Elementary 79 57.22 98.94 N/A 21.94 64 N/A
Morris Slingluff Elementary 74 46.44 94.50 N/A 15.22 N/A N/A
Selma Street Elementary 86 65.98 100 N/A 5.88 N/A N/A

Elba City Schools scored an 81 B overall. For the full report card, click here.

Overall, Dale County scored a 90, raising its score from 88 last year. For the full report card, click here.

Daleville City Schools raised its score three points from 74 to 77. For the full report card, click here.

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Ozark City Schools scored an 83 overall. For the full report card, click here.

Geneva County Schools raised its overall score from a 91 to a 93. For the full report card, click here.

Geneva City Schools scored a 93 overall. For the full report card, click here.

Henry County Schools scored an 89 overall. View the full report card here.

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