Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs Betting Preview
The SEC Championship features two of the best teams in the nation as the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (12-0) square off with the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1). This matchup will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday at 4:00 pm ET.
Georgia has been absolutely dominant this season, especially on the defensive side. In fact, in their last five games, they have allowed an average of just over seven points a game.
Last weekend, they shut out Georgia Tech 45-0. In the win, Stetson Bennett threw for 255 yards and four scores. Brock Bowers had three receptions for 100 yards and secured two of the passing touchdowns.
Alabama has dominated through much of the season, with their lone hiccup being a 41-38 loss to No. 24 Texas A&M back at the beginning of October. Since then, they have rattled off six wins in a row.
While it took four overtimes to do so, they beat Auburn last weekend 24-22. Bryce Young threw for 317 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the win.
Georgia is the favorite playing in this one. They are -250 to win while Alabama’s moneyline sits at +198. The spread features the Crimson Tide +6.5 (-114), and the over/under for total points is 49.5.
More Odds
In addition to an SEC Championship, both of these are hoping to win the National Championship this season. Georgia is the favorite at -250, while Alabama’s odds sit at +800.
By The Numbers
Alabama has had the stronger of the two offenses this season. They rank third, averaging 42.2 points per game. Georgia ranks eighth, averaging 39.3 points.
Defensively, it is all Georgia. They rank tops in the nation in scoring defense, allowing opponents an average of just 6.9 points per game. The Crimson Tide rank 17th allowing an average of 20.5 points.
Georgia Looks To Stay Perfect
Frankly, this is the matchup most of the college football world has been waiting for and, for Georgia, it is once again an opportunity to prove their dominance. Their historically good defense will have its hands full against a solid Alabama team, though.
The stat leaders for their top-ranked defense include Channing Tindall (57 tackles), Nakobe Dean and Adam Anderson (five sacks apiece), and a trio of Nakobe Dean, Derion Kendrick, and Christopher Smith with two interceptions each.
Offensively, the Bulldogs are led by Stetson Bennett. He has thrown for 1,985 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
Tight end Brook Bowers has been Bennet’s favorite target with 37 receptions for 652 yards and ten touchdowns.
On the ground, Georgia has a two-headed monster in Zamir White (691 yards, ten touchdowns) and James Cook (581 yards, seven touchdowns).
Alabama Needs Win For More Than Just SEC Title
While both teams obviously want to stake claim to the SEC Title, there is even added pressure for the Crimson Tide to win this one. With a loss, it is very conceivable that they could be on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoffs.
Leading the way for Nick Saban’s offense is quarterback Bryce Young. He is currently the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this year at -220. On the season, Young has thrown for 3,901 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
Youngs’ go-to receivers this year have been Jameson Williams (61 receptions, 1,261 yards, 13 touchdowns) and John Metchie III (90 receptions, 1,045 yards, seven touchdowns).
On the ground, senior running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been fantastic. He has rushed 207 times for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also has 252 receiving yards with another two scores.
Take Alabama And The Points
This one should be worth the price of admission as you have two of the best teams in the nation on both sides of the ball. The real question will be whether Heisman Trophy favorite Bryce Young can figure out the vaunted Georgia defense.
Don’t be surprised if this battle of powerhouses stays close throughout. For that reason, taking Alabama and the 6.5-points seems like the smart bet.
