Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs Betting Preview
Here. We. Go! In a rematch of the SEC Championship Game, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (13-1) will square off with the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1) for the College Football National Championship on Monday. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will host this game, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.
To get here, Georgia took down No. 2 Michigan 34-11 in the Orange Bowl. In the route, Stetson Bennett threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns, while Georgia’s defense once again flexed its muscles.
For Alabama, they were able to easily dispose of the Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6 in the Cotton Bowl. Bryce Young threw for 181 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Brian Robinson Jr. led the ground game with 198 yards rushing.
The last time these two squared off was in the SEC Championship on December 4. Had Georgia won that game, they probably would have knocked Alabama out of the playoffs. Instead, the Crimson Tide rolled Georgia 41-24.
Bryce Young solidified his Heisman Trophy in that win, throwing for 421 yards and three scores. In the loss, Stetson Bennett threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, but he also had two interceptions.
Despite their success in their last matchup, the Crimson Tide are the underdogs in this one. Georgia is -135 to win while the Crimson Tide’s moneyline sits at +115. The spread features Alabama +2.5 (-105), and the over/under for total points is 52.5.
By The Numbers
Alabama had more success on offense this season, although both of them rank in the top ten in college football. Alabama ranks fourth, averaging 40.9 points per game. Georgia ranks eighth, averaging 37.7 points.
Defensively, it is Georgia with the edge. Despite the 41 points, they allowed Alabama in their last matchup, Georgia still ranks atop the scoring defense list as they are giving up just 9.8 points per game to opponents. Alabama ranks 14th, allowing 19.6 points per game.
Georgia Looks For Revenge On Biggest Stage
After rolling through the season basically untouched, the Georgia Bulldogs got a large dose of reality in the SEC Championship at the hands of Alabama. With the stakes at their highest point, Georgia would love to return the favor and win the National Championship.
This season, the Bulldogs’ offense has been led under center by Stetson Bennett. The senior quarterback has thrown for 2,638 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He has also rushed for 283 yards and another score.
Bennett’s favorite receiver is actually tight-end Brock Bowers. On the year, Bowers has secured 52 receptions for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The biggest factor for Georgia is the defense. After leading the nation in defense this season, they can’t afford another letdown against Alabama.
The stat leaders on the defensive side for the Bulldogs include Nakobe Dean (68 tackles and six sacks) and Derion Kendrick (four interceptions).
Alabama Out To Disprove Naysayers
After their success against Georgia in the SEC Championship, Alabama has to feel disrespected as they enter this game as the underdogs. Expect head coach Nick Saban to use that as fuel to help fire his team up for Monday night’s contest.
The Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young will look to lead the Crimson Tide to the National Championship. This season, he threw for 4,503 yards, 46 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
Unfortunately, Young lost one of his favorite targets in the SEC Championship as John Metchie (1,142 yards, eight touchdowns) tore his ACL and is out for the season.
Still, his leading receiver, Jameson Williams, will be on the field Monday. This season, Williams has 75 receptions for 1,507 yards and 15 touchdowns.
On the ground, the Crimson Tide are led by senior running back Brian Robinson Jr. He has rushed 249 times this season for 1,275 yards and 14 scores. He also has 31 receptions for 268 yards and two scores through the air.
Take The Crimson Tide And The Points
This one really just comes down to value. Georgia is much better than they showed the last time these two squared off, but there is a lot of value with Alabama as the line sits.
Not only has Alabama beaten Georgia seven straight times, but the Crimson Tide have also won outright five of the last six times they were underdogs.
Regardless, in what should be a close matchup (closer than the SEC title game), take Alabama and the 2.5 points.
