In my previous 2026 Alabama regular season previews and predictions, I have the Crimson Tide beating Auburn, Vanderbilt, LSU, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. The UT-Chattanooga game was skipped as a win needing no explanation.
Continuing to work back from the Iron Bowl to the Kentucky game (skipping East Carolina as well), next up is Georgia. As much as I want to believe otherwise, I'm picking the Bulldogs to beat Alabama. Georgia may or may not have the better coaching staff, but the Bulldogs are clearly the better team.
I also expect a Crimson Tide fight to the finish and a close game. Georgia's roster has position group advantages at quarterback, running back, offensive line, tight end, linebacker, and special teams. The defensive backs for the Bulldogs and the Tide are a wash. Alabama's only position group advantage is at wide receiver.
Bryant-Denny will give the Tide a boost. Maybe an unpredictable Georgia mistake will turn the outcome into an Alabama win. Another maybe is that Lorcan Quinn quickly becomes a field-goal-kicking superstar, delivering a late and LONG game-winning three points for the Tide.
Alabama Football - Georgia Game Prediction
Kenneth Massey gives the Bulldogs only a 51% probability of winning. His model has Alabama losing 28-27. My pick is Georgia 24 - Alabama 20.
The week before the Bulldogs come to Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide will play in Starkville. It will be nearly impossible for Alabama players not to be looking ahead.
Jeff Lebby is making progress in Starkville. His 5-8 record last season included an impressive upset of Arizona State. Lebby should get State back to another bowl game. The Bulldogs have no clear position group advantages over the Crimson Tide. Even with the help of Starkville's cowbells, the only way for State is a Crimson Tide meltdown. Alabama will not 'trap' itself in Starkville, which means the other Bulldogs will not pull off an upset.
Alabama Football Mississippi State Prediction
Alabama Crimson Tide 38 - Mississippi State Bulldogs 20
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