Alabama
Georgia vs. Alabama Prediction, Preview, and Odds – 12-2-2023
The Georgia Bulldogs take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in an SEC title game matchup on Saturday from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bulldogs are the two-time reigning national champs and bring an undefeated record into this one. For Alabama, one loss against Texas is their only blemish, while the SEC slate saw them run through it undefeated. Alabama had won eight in a row before Georgia grabbed the win in the CFP title game back in January of 2022 and the Bulldogs remain favored in this rematch. In a slate if key games, this is likely the most exciting one.
With the college football season winding down, make sure to check out our NCAA football predictions to finish strong!
Bulldogs In Class Above
Georgia continues to ride a lengthy winning streak and as the two-time reigning national champions, they know that anything other than a win in this one would be a failure. Even though they sit at 12-0, they’ve had an up-and-down season by their standards. Last week, they only beat Georgia Tech by eight points, though have a 28-point win against Tennessee and a 35-point win against Ole Miss on their resume. At the end of the day, as long as the wins keep coming, that’s all that matters, though Alabama will present their toughest challenge of the season. The Bulldogs will be riding a wave of confidence and momentum into this one and while Alabama has historically presented a challenge for this team, having won the last meeting should help. The Bulldogs need to make sure their focus hasn’t already shifted towards the CFP, though with Kirby Smart at the helm, that shouldn’t be a concern.
The Bulldogs carry a few injuries into this one, with a few looking to be key on the offensive end. Rara Thomas (foot) and Ladd McConkey (ankle) are both questionable and as key pieces in the passing game, won’t want to miss this one. On the defensive end, Jamon Dumas-Johnson (forearm) remains out and as one of the team’s sack leaders, will be missed on the defensive end.
Georgia’s defense has led the way the last few years but the offense has taken a major step forward this season. They rank sixth nationally in total yardage and are eighth in passing. The ground game that has led the way has taken a step back and against an Alabama defense that prides itself on stopping the run, Georgia could struggle to control the clock. Carson Beck (22 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) has been strong but the offense starts and ends with Brock Bowers, the nation’s top tight end. His ability to make big plays and generate first downs is unmatched, while the duo of Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton gives them athleticism in the backfield. The offense will need to have a breakout game if they want to lift another trophy and big up a defense that has taken a step back, especially with the injury.
Top Cappers – Last 7 Days
Just Parlays, 2-13, $1157
Crimson Tide Riding Impressive Run
Alabama was stunned at home against Texas back in September but since then, have rattled off an impressive winning streak that has turned heads nationally. The Crimson Tide have not only found wins but have continuously covered the spread as well, which sets the tone for an interesting matchup on Saturday. For years, Alabama was able to find wins against their rivals from the SEC East but suddenly, it seems like Georgia is the media darling. Rarely does Alabama get the chance to play the underdog card, which might play into their favor in this one. Many will say there was quite a bit of luck involved in getting past Auburn last weekend, though Nick Saban will have them ready to go and bounce back in this one. A potential trip to the CFP looms if they can spring the upset and end Georgia’s winning streak.
Alabama has a trio of injuries themselves that they’ll be monitoring, impacting both sides of the ball. At running back, leading rusher, Jase MccLellan (lower body), is questionable. On the defensive side, they could be without Jaylen Key (thigh), who is a key piece in the secondary.
The emergence of Jalen Milroe (21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions) as both a pass and runner has made this offense electric, even with some of the offensive line woes. Having Jermaine Burton’s speed at wide receiver certainly helps but being without MccLellan could be too much for them to overcome. If they gets to be a high-scoring affair, struggles could ensue. On the defensive end, the Crimson Tide rank 17th in total defense and will like their chances in getting stops, especially with an elite pass rush. Limiting the penalties will be crucial for this group and if they don’t take steps to beat themselves, they have a great chance at finding the win.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Rating:
The Bulldogs will roll to another SEC championship in this one, as they lean on a potent offense and continued athleticism on the defensive end. Beck has been elite, especially over the last month, and with an elite wide receiver and tight end to lean on, Georgia has too many offensive weapons for even Alabama to slow them down. While the Crimson Tide has been strong as well, their inability to stay out of trouble when it comes to penalties is a problem, as is their reliant on a ground game that could be missing their running back. Georgia has covered in two of their last three games as the schedule has heated up, while also covering the last time these two teams squared off. The Bulldogs will continue to roll towards another championship as they make easy work of Alabama.
Prediction: Georgia (-5.5)
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Rating:
While defense has run this rivalry over the years, this one will be filled with big plays and plenty of offense. Georgia’s offense ranks eighth nationally in scoring, will Alabama ranks 18th. With a slight drop off on the defensive side for both teams, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see scoring not drop off in this one. For Georgia, the passing game has been key for them to move the ball, which also allows for more possessions and quicker drives, only adding to more points. For Alabama, the over has hit in five straight and seven of their last eight, with no signs of that changing in this one. The over has also hit in three of the last five between these two teams too. Expect an exciting matchup in what will be one of the higher-scoring conference title games.
Prediction: Over 54.5