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There are always big games in the SEC that affect the national landscape. This week’s encounter between the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide is just another on the long list. One team will suffer its first loss of the season and suffer a blow to any hope of playing for a national championship. And it’s a classic strength vs. strength matchup with Alabama’s top-ranked scoring offense going against a Dawgs’ defense that allows just 12.3 points per game. Alabama has won five in a row in the series with the last two decided by a combined total of 10 points. Oddsmakers anticipate another close battle with the Tide positioned as a 6-point home favorite on the college football betting line. Bookmaker is offering a generous welcome bonus (max bonus $1600).
Georgia Bulldogs at Alabama Crimson Tide
Date and Time: Saturday, October 17, 2020, 8 p.m. ET
Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
CFB Odds: Alabama -6, O/U 57
Georgia vs. Alabama TV Coverage: CBS
Odds Analysis
Both teams are 3-0 taking different routes to get there. Georgia allowed the most points in a game this season in last week’s 44-21 win over Tennessee. All of the Vols points came in the first half after which the D locked down. The Bulldogs covered the 13-point spread improving to 2-1 ATS. Offensively the Dawgs showed a spark under the direction of Stetson Bennett. UGA cashed the OVER for the first time last week going over the total by itself. We’ve come to know Bama as a high-scoring offensive machine and they haven’t disappointed this season. With a cadre of playmakers the Tide is averaging 51 points, and they didn’t have any body bag games against FCS foes. Alabama played over the closing total of 74 in its 63-48 win at Ole Miss and is 3-0 against the OVER this season. The Tide opened as a 7-point favorite with the number wagered down to -6. The total was bet up a point to 57.
Georgia Bulldogs
Kirby Smart gets another shot to become the first former assistant to beat his old boss Nick Saban. He’s been close the last two times losing 35-28 in the 2018 SEC Championship game and falling 26-23 in overtime in the National Championship game the season before. The Dawgs might have what it takes this season especially after the offense came to life under the direction Bennett.
Bennett wasn’t even on the radar prior to the start of the season but things fell in his favor and he’s taking advantage of the opportunity. Presumed starter Jamie Newman opted out of the season, USC transfer J.T. Daniels was just recently cleared from an injury and opening day starter D’Wan Mathis was ineffective. In two starts Bennett has thrown for 478 yards and three touchdowns without an interception leading the Dawgs to a pair of wins over top-15 teams by averaging 35.5 points.
Saban knows all about his former defensive coordinator and had nothing but praise for Georgia’s defense. “Maybe the best defensive team in the county all the way around,” Saban said. It’s nothing new. Georgia has had a top unit for years, but this may be the best yet. Among teams that have played more than one game the Dawgs rank first nationally allowing just 236.7 yards per game. Their fifth-ranked scoring defense will be tested by Mac Jones and the Tide.
Alabama Crimson Tide
During their phenomenal run under Saban the Tide has always played a strong brand of defense. Early this season that hasn’t been the case leaving the team vulnerable. The good news for Bama backers is that the offense is explosive as ever and can cover many if not all of the deficiencies on the other side.
That was the case last week in the 63-48 win over Ole Miss. Mac Jones was 28 of 32 for 417 yards and a pair of scores with receivers Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle each having over 100 receiving yards. The ground game was equally punishing with Najee Harris going for 206 yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries. Jones is the national leader in pass efficiency leading the second-best passing offense in the FBS.
Facing Georgia will be the biggest hurdle. But the Dawgs haven’t faced an offense as diverse and talented as Bama’s. The game rests in the hands of Alabama’s defense after giving up a school record 643 yards and the most points by an unranked opponent in the AP poll era. “The only mistake that would be is that we don’t learn from the mistakes that we made so that we can get better in the future,” Saban said.
Bet Georgia at Alabama at BookMaker.eu
The Dawgs have to feel good about their chances after watching Bama’s defense get rocked by Ole Miss. Saban isn’t going to let that go and the group is going to be motivated on Saturday. On the flip side the Tide have too many weapons and will do enough to get a win in what will be a close game. I have to back Georgia and the points.
CFB Score Prediction: Alabama 30, Georgia 26
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- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com
