Can Alabama do it again? Can they continue to be the thorn in Kirby Smart's side? If Alabama can walk into Sanford Stadium and leave with its 10th win in the last 11 games against Georgia, all will be forgiven for the Crimson Tide's disappointing performance against Florida State in Tallahassee.
Kalen DeBoer needs a big win. Perhaps more importantly, he needs a big win on the road. DeBoer is just 2-5 in seven games away from Bryant-Denny Stadium as Alabama's head coach.
Alabama has looked much better in the last two games against UL Monroe and Wisconsin, but the competition will take a sharp increase in Athens. The Crimson Tide needs a win in the worst way to maintain any margin for error. A loss on Saturday night between the hedges - even against an elite football team like Georgia - would be devastating to Alabama's ability to make the College Football Playoff thanks to already having a number in the loss column.
Georgia has already proven its championship mettle. The comeback win over Tennessee in Knoxville two weeks ago proved it. The Bulldogs stared adversity in the face and didn't blink. The Crimson Tide faced adversity once this season and immediately folded.
A reversal of fortune is needed for Alabama to pull out a massive victory.
Betting odds for Alabama at Georgia
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 6am E.T. on Saturday, September 27th.
Spread: Alabama +2.5
Over/Under: 53.5
Moneyline: Alabama +114/Georgia -137
Predictions from the Bama Hammer Team:
Alabama isn't often an underdog, but when they are, it's usually against Georgia. This is the fifth consecutive time Alabama and Georgia have met that the Bulldogs were the betting favorites. The Crimson Tide has won outright in three of the previous four meetings, including last season's thrilling win in Tuscaloosa.
Even on the road, I think Alabama has a significant edge at QB. Gunner Stockton has been solid, but Kane Wommack, with a week to prepare, is going to throw a lot of different looks at him, much like he did to Carson Beck last season. Beck folded early, throwing a pair of interceptions, one of which directly led to an Alabama touchdown.
Ty Simpson has played as well as any QB in the country the last couple of games, and Georgia's secondary looks ripe for the picking.
Three of the four of us like Alabama to pull out a close win. One of us is a little more grounded and likes Georgia in a nail-biter.
Picks:
John Mitchell:
Alabama 31, Georgia 27
Josh Yourish:
Alabama 34, Georgia 33
Greg Bosworth:
Alabama 38, Georgia 35
Ron Evans:
Georgia 27, Alabama 24