Five Questions for Georgia vs. Alabama
What Are the Game Details?
Opponent: Alabama
History: Alabama leads the series 43-26-4
Last meeting: Alabama defeated Georgia in the 2023 SEC Championship 27-24.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 28 | 7:30 p.m. EST
Location: Nick Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium
Television: ABC
Spread: Georgia -1
Over/Under: 50.5
Eyes forward.#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/lexdmaT8lr
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 23, 2024
What Should You Know About Alabama?
This question seems almost laughable. These two programs are nearly identical, built around Nick Saban’s “Process.” Smart, a former Alabama defensive coordinator under Saban, is 1-5 against Alabama, with his only win coming in the 2021 national championship. Now, Smart faces Kalen DeBoer, Washington’s former coach, who led the Huskies to a national championship appearance last season. As Smart mentioned in his press conference this week, Saban’s influence remains strong despite the changes. “I don’t see it as a one-person spot, role, or whatever word you want to use for it right now, not with him gone. I see it as a lot of guys out there competing and seeing who’s going to be the best and who’s going to have the next run — if there is one.”
The Tide are in good hands under DeBoer. He has shown the ability to put together a strong staff and has continued to recruit at a high level. DeBoer didn’t get mixed up in the hype when asking how big the game will be Saturday night. “To me, it’s all about us,” DeBoer said. “It always needs to be that way, and focusing on what we do best, who we are, and the work that goes into it. I love the way our guys carry the mantra and carry the messaging. I think they believe in it.” After struggling two weeks ago against South Florida at home, the Tide bounced back in a big way, Jumping Around early and often on Wisconsin in Madison.
What Should You Watch for on Georgia’s Offense?
Who will be Georgia’s playmakers in 2024? Sure, Travis Etienne has done a nice job giving Georiga a balanced running attack. What is missing is a reliable passing threat. Who will Carson Beck throw to when he is in trouble or needs to get in a groove? Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey have spoiled Bulldog fans the last few years. Both of those two former Dawgs are now in the NFL. Through two games, Dominic Lovett and Arian Smith are the only two receivers with double-digit catches. Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie have not stepped up from the tight end position. Georgia and Alabama always play tight games. Those games call for big-time players. Georiga will need a top receiver to emerge on Saturday night. If not, we will have more questions about what the future holds for 2024.
What Should You Watch for on Georgia’s Defense?
The defense is stingy. Georgia is the only team in the nation that has yet to allow a touchdown. One key reason Alabama defeated Georiga last December in Atlanta was the Bulldogs’ inability to get off the field. Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe extended plays and drives with his legs to keep the Georgia defense on the field and keep the game in hand for the tide. Milroe provided some bulletin board material for the defense to keep their focus. This summer, he told Greg McElroy and Cole Cubic that the Dawgs had “quit” in the second half of the SEC Championship game. “I’m big on body language and looking in the opponent’s eyes,” Milroe said. “They looked defeated and didn’t want anymore. And I knew that our team knew it would be a 60-minute game. And Georgia didn’t believe in that.”
Dylan Fairchild was asked about Milroe’s comments this week. His response shows that Milroe has the Dawgs’ full attention. “Yeah, I mean, we’re aware. We’re aware.” When asked how he reacted when he heard this, he said, “Put my head down and grind. I think that’s the attitude of our team. Just put your head down and grind.”
Who Will Win Georgia vs. Alabama?
Here are a couple of numbers before the prediction. Over the last three seasons, Smart and Georiga are 41-2. Alabama is the only team to defeat the Tide. Those numbers tip the cap to Alabama. But here is one more. Georgia is coming off a bye week last week. Smart and Georgia are 28-2 at Georgia and have over a week to prepare for an opponent. He is 20-0 since 2019. Dawgs on top.
Georgia 24
Alabama 9
