This weekend’s matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama is the biggest of the season to date. Not just for Georgia, but in the entire college football landscape.
It’s the first meeting between two AP top-5 teams and ESPN’s College GameDay will be on the scene for the 7:30 p.m. game.
The last time the two programs faced off (the 2023 SEC Championship), Alabama defeated Georgia 27-24. However, that was a Nick Saban-coached Crimson Tide, whereas now they are under former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer.
Georgia-Alabama odds, spread
Georgia opened the week as a 4.5-point favorite but has since moved to a 1-point favorite, as of Friday afternoon. The over/under for the game is 48, and Georgia is 1-2 on the season against the spread.
Georgia-Alabama score predictions, picks from AJC, DawgNation staff
Michael Cunningham: Alabama 30, Georgia 27
This is Kalen DeBoer’s first big game as Alabama’s coach, which is not to say it’s his first big game. He came from Washington to Tuscaloosa with victories against teams coached by Steve Sarkisian, Dan Lanning and Lincoln Riley. DeBoer gets another big win this weekend against Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.
Chip Towers: Georgia 33, Alabama 18
For some reason, that score just has a nice ring to it! Also, as has been proven numerous times before in this series, 24 points just won’t cut it for Georgia against Alabama. The Bulldogs are averaging about 32 this season, so 33 ought to be just right.
Connor Riley: Georgia 23, Alabama 13
Georgia’s defense limits Alabama’s explosive plays and Carson Beck hits just enough deep passes to get the win.
Jeff Sentell: Georgia 21, Alabama 20
Georgia’s chances would be much better if its defensive front wasn’t hanging out so much with Ron Courson. This one will be bumpy, but Dawgs still steal one in Tuscaloosa thanks to a defensive touchdown.
Kaylee Mansell: Georgia 31, Alabama 24
Even though the UGA defense will face some difficulty in stopping the run game, it will not be enough for Alabama to keep up with the UGA offense that will finally breakout due to the talent of various pass catchers.
Brandon Adams: Georgia 30, Alabama 27
Winning at Alabama requires a strong offensive performance, but points have been in short supply when the Bulldogs have lost to the Crimson Tide in recent seasons. The assumption here is that won’t be a problem Saturday night. Expect Carson Beck to thrive on a big stage and make enough plays to earn UGA a major road win.
Ken Sugiura: Alabama 30, Georgia 24
In succeeding the legend Nick Saban, new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer may not be Saban’s equal, but he’s a great coach in his own right. Riding the home-field advantage at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the playmaking brilliance of quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Tide prevail in a close one.
Mike Griffith, Georgia 27, Alabama 24
Georgia will bring more speed, physicality and fury than Alabama has seen this season, along with a balanced offense keyed by Trevor Etienne. Jalen Milroe and Alabama have an explosive offense, but the Dawgs defense will make enough plays for Kirby Smart to prevail.
More Alabama-Georgia picks, predictions
- CBS writer Brandon Marcello picked Georgia at -2
- The Athletic’s Manny Navarro picked Georgia by 2
- Athens Banner-Herald writer Marc Weiszer picked Alabama to win 24-23
- CBS’ Tom Fornelli picked Alabama at +2.5
