By Don Stone, Football Atlanta
It’s all anyone who is interested in college football has been talking about since the schedule was posted. UGA heads to Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday as #4 Alabama hosts #2 Georgia.
Both teams are undefeated at 3-0, with Georgia entering the game following a narrow 13-12 victory at Kentucky, while Alabama has been dominant under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Their most recent win was 42-10 at Wisconsin.
Team Overview
Georgia Bulldogs: Led by quarterback Carson Beck, the Dawgs boast a balanced offensive attack, averaging 31.7 points per game. Their defense has been formidable, allowing just six points per game with still no touchdowns allowed this season. Key players include running backs Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier, who lead the ground game.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama’s offense is explosive, averaging 49 points per game. Quarterback Jalen Milroe is a dual-threat with 394 passing yards and five touchdowns, complemented by running backs Justice Haynes and Jam Miller.
Defensively, Bama has also been stingy, giving up just 8.7 points per game, among the best in the nation.
Given that, it promises to be a low scoring game.
Key Matchups
Quarterback Duel: Carson Beck vs. Jalen Milroe is one of the most anticipated matchups. Beck has been efficient with seven touchdowns and no interceptions, while Milroe adds a rushing threat with four touchdowns on the ground.
Defensive Battle: Both defenses are stout, with Georgia allowing only 202.3 yards per game and Alabama giving up 248 yards per game. The ability to control the trenches will be crucial for both teams.
Game Outlook
Georgia has a lot of impressive streaks on the line. First, they aim to end their losing streak in Tuscaloosa, where they haven’t won since 2007. Since their last visit UGA has won a conference-record 28 consecutive SEC games and 16 straight road games – the nation’s longest active road win streak.
The Bulldogs’ last losses on the road and overall were to Nick Saban-led Alabama teams. The Tide beat the Bulldogs in 2023 in the SEC Championship game, 27-24, and in 2020 in a regular-season showdown, 41-24. Since then, Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s squad has gone on a 42-game regular season winning streak.
. For Georgia, maintaining a clean pocket for Beck and pressuring Milroe will be vital. Alabama, on the other hand, will look to exploit their home advantage and continue their offensive prowess.
The game is expected to be a defensive battle with both teams relying on their quarterbacks to make crucial plays late in the game.
According to FanDuel, Georgia is now a 2.5 point favorite with an Over/Under of 49.5.
Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. with the game broadcast on ABC-TV.