Georgia vs. Alabama: Kirby Goes for Two!

These numbers pretty much confirm what everyone watching already knows: Georgia-Alabama almost always turns into a four-quarter fight. The average margin across all nine matchups is 8.44 points. The margins are even smaller in SEC Championship games: 7.75 points. So what does Smart and Georgia have to do to count to two? Let’s look at what he said this week in his press conference and break down the matchup.

Georgia vs. Alabama: Kirby Goes for Two!

Game Details

Opponent: Alabama
History: Alabama has won three straight and leads the series 45-25-4.
Last meeting: Alabama defeated Georgia 24-21 in September.
Date and Time: Friday, Dec. 6th | 4:00 PM EST
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Television: ABC
Spread: #GoDawgs – 2.5

What to Expect from Alabama

Smart shared how he doesn’t expect much to change from Alabama’s offense. Ty Simpson is the straw that stirs the drink that is Alabama’s offense. They’ve got playmakers. They play to the skill set of those guys. QB Ty [Simpson’s] is still playing really well. He’s extremely athletic. Can extend plays. He knows where to go with the ball and how to read defenses. He’s played a lot of football. He’s played with a lot of confidence.” Smart said. “I don’t think there’s a lot of change. They’re really good at what they do, and they do a great job with shift, motion, keeping you off balance with tempo, vertical plays, horizontal plays, they do a great job.”

Simpson is a Heisman favorite and has shone brightest in Alabama’s ten wins. When he has struggled, as he did against Oklahoma, that is where they have struggled most. Simpson did an excellent job of keeping the Alabama offense on the field with his arms and legs in the September matchup. The Tide converted 13 of 19 third-down opportunities in the game, including a few at the end to seal the game. For Georgia to succeed, it will need to put pressure on Simpson and force him to make bad decisions. The Georgia defense has grown up considerably since September, but Simpson and the Tide will no doubt remain the biggest hurdle to finding win number two for Smart.

What’s the Latest on Drew Bobo?

What is the status of Drew Bobo? Georgia’s starting center suffered a left leg injury in the win over Georgia Tech on Friday. Bobo is the anchor of a young Georgia line. He is the son of Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. Smart shared this week the impact the younger Bobo has had on his fellow offensive linemen. “He’s very knowledgeable about the game. He grew up around it, in it. Understands football, he knows leverage, he knows a lot about what’s going on. He and his dad have a great relationship that allows him to know a lot of things and make a lot of checks, and put us in the right situations a lot of times.”

For Georgia to be effective in the run game and keep Gunner Stockton out of harm’s way, Bobo’s presence will be important. When asked about the center’s status, Smart’s response has reason to make Dawg’s fans nervous. “No more updates,” Smart said. “Still looking into things with him.” Bobo started 11 games for Georgia at center this season and has been critical in helping Georgia reestablish their run game.

Run the Damn Ball

Bobo’s absence was felt in the running game against Georgia Tech. Georgia rushed for 145 yards in the first half against Tech. After Bobo went out, Georgia had only 45 yards in the second half. The running game will be critical for Georgia’s success on Saturday. Smart shared how Georgia’s recommitment to the run has helped to reestablish its identity in 2025. “I wouldn’t say the identity has changed for us, of needing to be able to run the ball to be successful. That can’t change, not for us. The things that are important to our identity – the physical toughness required, the discipline, all the things we need to be successful – have not changed week to week or since the beginning of the season. We might do better out of one week or the other, but they don’t change.”

Georgia’s rushing attack has bounced back in a big way this season. They are averaging over 190 yards a game and currently rank 4th in the SEC.  Contrast that with a year ago, when the Dawgs averaged just 124 yards per game and ranked 102nd in the nation in rushing. Bobo’s health will be key for Georgia not only to establish the run but also to keep the Tide off the field.

Who Wins Georgia vs. Alabama

Smart finds a way to count to two. Look for a classic fourth quarter Georgia Deathmarch behind Bobo and a few third and fourth down conversions as Geogia finds just enough to stay on top of the Tide.

Georgia 31
Alabama 27

Main Photo: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images