Alabama vs. Georgia Predictions: Can the Bulldogs topple the Crimson Giant?
Nick Aldrich, Staff Writer
As the college football season comes to a close, all eyes are on two teams: The #4 team Georgia and the undefeated #1 Alabama. On Dec. 1, these two teams will face off in the SEC Championship. Here’s an analysis on what to expect.
When looking at the two teams’ records up to this point, both are nearly flawless. Of course, Alabama remains undefeated this season, a few teams have managed to hold their own against the Crimson Tide, particularly in the game against the Citadel Bulldogs, who managed to tie it up 10-10 at the half. That game went on to be a blowout in the second half at 17-50, but it is still noteworthy nonetheless.
The Bulldogs have a slightly less spotless record. Their sole loss came to them Courtesy of LSU, who beat them by 20 points back in Oct. It is worth noting that Alabama managed to completely shut out LSU, easily defeating them 29-0. While this obviously bodes poorly for Georgia, this is just a single match-up and anything could happen when the two teams clash.
Despite this one slip-up, Georgia has had an incredible season. Not only have they beaten every other team that they have played, but the average margin of victory for the Bulldogs this year is 26.8 points according to Bleacherreport.com. One can assume that Georgia will not be able to blow out Alabama in the same way, but there’s a possibility they could get some points in.
Before Georgia can even think about scoring they are going to need to find away around Alabama’s rock-solid defense. At 3rd in the nation, Alabama’s defensive line has only allowed 13.1 points per game this season, according to Bleacherreport.com. While Georgia’s defense is almost as solid, allowing 16.8 points per game, Alabama’s offense is simply on another level. They have beaten every team that they played this season by 22 points or more, cementing their dominance as a team with one of the strongest offenses in the SEC.
Despite Alabama’s overwhelming offense, Georgia has a fairly strong set of running backs in the form of D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield. The running game will be crucial in this match-up, so these two will have to be on the top of their game to get past Alabama’s tough defense.
Georgia is arguably the toughest team that Alabama will face all season, which makes it anybody’s game. While Alabama is likely to win, it probably will not be by 22 points or more. It is safe to say that Alabama has their work cut out for them if they want to keep their perfect record.
