There appears to be little margin for error in the so far tightly packed Southeastern Conference, so the winner stays in great position. The 12-team playoff means both teams will remain squarely in the national title hunt whoever wins.
The Bulldogs would love to reassert their dominance after scratching out a 13-12 win over Kentucky. For the Crimson Tide, this is the first true national showcase matchup under new coach Kalen DeBoer, who’s trying to show the program hasn’t missed a beat without Nick Saban. It’s the first time Alabama has been a home underdog since 2007, Saban’s first season.
KEY MATCHUP
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will face the nation’s No. 1 pass defense. Milroe has passed for 590 yards and eight touchdowns without an interception for the Tide and is the third-rated passer in FBS. But he’ll face a defense led by safety Malaki Starks that is allowing just 91.3 yards a game through the air and hasn’t given up a passing touchdown. Milroe is also a threat to run, having rushed for six touchdowns.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alabama: WR Ryan Williams is a 17-year-old freshman who has already emerged as one of the SEC’s best receivers. Williams hasn’t faced a defense nearly this good but his numbers are still impressive: 10 catches, 285 yards and four touchdowns in his first three college games. He has led the team in receptions and yards in all three games.
Georgia: QB Carson Beck is 16-1 as the starting quarterback and 6-1 against Top 20 teams. Alabama is the only team to beat him but Beck has thrown for 1,971 yards with 15 touchdowns against just two interceptions in those ranked matchups.
FACTS & FIGURES
Georgia coach Kirby Smart, a former Saban protege and Tide defensive coordinator, is just 1-5 against Alabama. The Bulldogs lost on their only other trip to Tuscaloosa under Smart on Oct. 17, 2020. … The Bulldogs are the only FBS team that has not allowed a touchdown this season. Opponents have been limited to six field goals. … Alabama is 15-1 in SEC home openers since 2007, with the lone loss coming to Mississippi just over nine years ago. … This game will mark the Tide’s 59th on ESPN College GameDay, matching Ohio State for the most appearances. … Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge is listed as out on the SEC’s availability report while defensive lineman Mykel Williams is questionable.
Kickoff for No. 2 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC) at No. 4 Alabama (3-0, 0-0 SEC) is Saturday at 6:30PM CDT on ABC 32.
(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
