Kirby Smart brings the undefeated Georgia Bulldogs into Bryant-Denny Stadium, where they haven’t won since 2007. Georgia is riding high after a gritty one-point victory over Kentucky in their SEC opener.
Meanwhile, first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer has Alabama off to a scorching 3-0 start after stepping in for the retired Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide have been dominant on both sides of the ball, outscoring opponents 147-26.
Georgia vs. Alabama Betting Preview
All Georgia vs. Alabama odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Sept. 26.
- Spread
Georgia -2 - Moneyline
Georgia -125, Bama +105 - Over/Under
48.5 - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Bryant-Denny Stadium | Tuscaloosa, Ala. - Predicted Weather at Kick
77 degrees, partly cloudy - How To Watch
ABC
Alabama opened as +4.5 home dogs, but that has come down under a field goal to +2.5. The total has also tumbled on this one, as it originally opened at 54 and has now come down to 49.5.
Georgia is 1-2 against the spread, with their only cover coming in an opening-week blowout win over Clemson. Alabama will enter 2-1 against the spread, as the only spread they haven’t covered was a 30-point spread against South Florida.
Prediction for Georgia vs. Alabama
Expect a high-powered showdown when Georgia and Alabama face off, featuring two of the best quarterbacks in the country. Carson Beck leads Georgia with 680 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions, showcasing his precision and poise.
On the other side, Jalen Milroe has been just as effective for Alabama, tallying 394 passing yards with five touchdowns and no picks. Milroe has also made an impact on the ground, leading the Tide with 81 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Alabama’s ground game is further bolstered by the running back duo of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, who have combined for four rushing touchdowns. Georgia counters with its own dynamic pair in Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier, driving their rushing attack.
Both teams have plenty of receiving threats. Alabama freshman Ryan Williams stands out with three receiving touchdowns, while Georgia spreads the ball around, with six different players having caught a touchdown pass this season. This game promises offensive fireworks on both sides.
The Week 5 Georgia vs. Alabama matchup marks the first regular-season meeting between Alabama and Georgia since Oct. 17, 2020, when the Crimson Tide secured a 41-24 victory on their way to a perfect 13-0 season and a national championship.
Alabama has won two of the last three matchups with Georgia, including last year’s SEC Championship Game, where the Tide handed Georgia its first loss of the season and knocked the Dawgs out of playoff contention.
For Georgia to reverse the outcome this time, quarterback Carson Beck is the key for Georgia. Beck struggled in his last outing against Kentucky, only throwing for 160 yards on 15-of-24 passing. With star offensive guard Tate Ratledge out, Georgia’s offensive line must hold its own in the trenches and keep the pocket clean for Beck.
Outside linebacker Jalon Walker and defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will be crucial on Georgia’s defensive side. If the Bulldogs are going to win on the road at Alabama, they’re going to have to control the trenches and keep Jalen Milroe under pressure.
For Georgia’s defense, the key will be containing Milroe and preventing him from extending plays with his feet. Milroe’s ability to protect the football, as he did in last year’s 27-24 SEC Championship Game win, will again be a critical factor. If Milroe avoids turnovers, Alabama will be tough to beat at home, especially with their offense hitting its stride.
I expect this one to turn into a late defensive battle, with each squad relying on their quarterback to make big plays late. The Ratledge injury will play a factor in this one, and I believe the Alabama offense will make just enough plays at home to pull off a massive SEC win.
The Prediction: Alabama 24, Georgia 20
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