One of the most anticipated matchups of the SEC season is the Alabama-Georgia game, and this one has a 2015 feel to it. Ironically enough, this will be the first time these two will match up in Athens since then. Of course, it is very unlikely that the Tide will dominate on Saturday like they did a decade ago, but from an Alabama perspective, there are some similarities between the games.
In 2015, Nick Saban's team looked very vulnerable coming off a shocking loss at home to Ole Miss. the week prior. The big win that October Saturday afternoon was the catalyst to the Tide not only making the playoff but winning a national championship.
Fast forward to 2025, and Kalen DeBoer's team heads into Athens in a similar vulnerable state, having already suffered a surprising loss to Florida State. Just like in 2015, there seems to be a feeling that Georgia will win this game not only because of having the advantage of playing at home, but how the Seminoles dominated in week one is still very fresh in everybody's mind.
The homefield advantage seems even greater now than a decade ago for the Bulldogs, as Alabama has been atrocious on the road. On top of how poorly this team has been on the road as of late, Georgia seems pretty much invincible in Sanford Stadium, having won 33 consecutive games dating back to 2019. An improbable win, however, could be the catalyst the Tide needs to make another playoff run similar to what started a decade ago between the hedges.
Another similarity between these two matchups from a Crimson perspective is the quarterback position. There were questions about Jake Coker going into the 2015 season, but he solidified himself as QB1 after his performance in the loss to the Rebels. This season, Ty Simpson came into the season with a lot of questions as well, but has solidified himself as the guy from his no-quit attitude in Tallahassee to his two electric performances against UL Monroe and Wisconsin. Just like with Coker then, Simpson now is the leader of the offense and will be looked upon to lead Alabama to a win Saturday night.