Alabama hosts Georgia in SEC ‘Clash of the Titans’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The biggest game thus far in the 2024-25 college football season will kick off Saturday night in Tuscaloosa between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama.

Both teams come into this showdown rested from their bye week. In Georgia’s last game, it was a slugfest in Lexington with the Kentucky Wildcats as the Bulldogs survived and came out with a narrow victory, 13-12. For Alabama, the Crimson Tide traveled to Wisconsin to face the Badgers and dominated the game, winning 42-10.

This will be the fifth meeting between the two teams in five seasons. The last time the two met was in the SEC Championship last season, Alabama came away with the victory, 27-24. Jalen Milroe led the way for Bama throwing for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

This will be the first meeting between Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. Some see it as an opportunity for Smart to get the best of the Tide with Nick Saban retired, while others believe DeBoer will get the opportunity to prove he’s the right guy for the job.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Here’s what to look for in Tide versus Dawgs:

Georgia’s offense against young Alabama secondary

• Alabama’s secondary hasn’t been tested through its first three games. The inexperienced secondary has been burned a few times on deep passes, but opposing quarterbacks haven’t been able to take advantage of opportunities.
• Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is regarded as one of the top play callers in all of college football, projected to be taken early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Expect Beck to try and connect with receivers Arian Smith, Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell and tight end Oscar Delp for explosive plays downfield and take advantage of a secondary that hasn’t given up many big plays this season.

Alabama looking to score on Dawgs’ defense that hasn’t allowed a touchdown

• Alabama will be the best offense that the Georgia defense has faced up to this point. With explosiveness all over the field with Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams and more, the Crimson Tide will look to put up points on a defense that hasn’t allowed much thus far. The Dawgs have only allowed 18 points this season and they’ve all come via field goals.
• Georgia may look to take away Williams, the 17-year-old phenom. So expect other receivers to step up big time including Germie Bernard, Kendrick Law and Kobe Prentice. A key factor for Alabama will also be establishing a run game to open up big play chances.

Who wins the battle in the trenches?

• Both offensive and defensive lines for the two teams come with experience. The Alabama offensive line is now fully healthy with the return of Kadyn Proctor and looks to be one of the best in the country. For Georgia, they’ll be without starting right guard Tate Rutledge. The Dawgs defensive line is one of the best and features game-wrecker Mykel Williams. While for Bama, LT Overton may be the guy to cause havoc as he was in the backfield multiple times against Wisconsin. Whoever can gain an edge in the trenches and limit anything upfront will give their teams the best chance to win.

Betting Lines

• Spread: Georgia (-1)
• Over/under: 49.5
• Moneyline: Georgia (-112) Alabama (-108)

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