(Photo: Fox 5 Atlanta)
Intriguing Game- SEC Championship
(3) Georgia Bulldogs at (9) Alabama Crimson Tide
Georgia (11-1):
I’ve seen so much of Georgia since 2021 when they won the first of back-to-back titles. Back then, this was a team that seemed flawless—or, if it had flaws, they were minor. This group hasn’t won a title since the 2022 season, and I know for a fact they are itching to get back to the top of the mountain. I’ll admit I’ve had my issues with them this year because sometimes I felt they coasted a little too much for my liking. I think of their game in Knoxville against the Tennessee Volunteers, where they gave up 21 points in the first quarter—a rarity for this defense—and had to climb back into the game to secure the win. Or the game against the Ole Miss Rebels, where for a while, Ole Miss seemed to be running away with it. In the end, Kirby Smart made sure his team showed up when it mattered most—in the fourth quarter. The best I’ve seen the Georgia Bulldogs play was just a few weeks ago when they hosted the Texas Longhorns in Athens on a Saturday night. They started fast and never let up. When they play like that, they are a tough out. This isn’t a team that will wow you offensively or light up the scoreboard, but they can score when opportunities present themselves. For the fifth consecutive season, they will play in the SEC Championship Game this Saturday against their kryptonite.
Alabama (10-2):
I knew the Iron Bowl wouldn’t be a cakewalk, and hear me out: it’s rivalry week. Bragging rights are on the line, and some teams take these games to a whole new level. Auburn wanted to knock their archrivals out of College Football Playoff contention, and they nearly did. Since that tough loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, Alabama has rebounded strongly. I’ll admit that after the Florida State loss in Week 1, it appeared this would be a long season for the Crimson Tide. I even said on College Football Showdownprior to Week 1 that this year would be much easier for Kalen DeBoer in his second season as head coach. He’s the heir apparent to arguably the greatest college football coach of all time, and that’s a lot of pressure. In year two, all he can focus on is being the head coach of Alabama, not following a legend. This year, Alabama has returned to basics: running the ball, getting quality play from the quarterback, and fielding a defense that punishes opponents physically. This is the best I’ve seen them look since Nick Saban’s final season in Tuscaloosa. As we speak, their playoff chances are hanging by a thread, and this SEC title game will either make or break them.
Georgia X-Factor: Zachariah Branch
When Gunner Stockton needs a playmaker in the passing game, Branch is the guy. Here’s what Alabama will do: they will key in on the run. They know Georgia’s rushing attack is elite and will likely load the box at all times. That’s where Branch benefits—he’ll see many one-on-one looks on the outside. With his route-running, speed, and separation ability, he forces Alabama’s corners and safeties into tough decisions. Branch also has big-play potential; a screen pass could easily turn into a chunk play or touchdown.
Alabama X-Factor: Ryan Williams
Williams is one of the best players in the country, and he’ll need to be on full display Saturday. He’s the spark plug for Alabama’s offense, capable of jump-starting everything. Georgia will focus on stopping the run and loading the box to contain Jam Miller, but Williams can stretch the Georgia secondary, beat man coverage, and find holes in zone schemes. One big play from him will force Georgia to respect the deep ball, which opens the offense for others. He’s Ty Simpson’s go-to target for a reason.
Final Thoughts:
It’s another chapter in this classic SEC title rivalry. These teams met on September 27, when Alabama snapped Georgia’s home-winning streak. Over two months later, here we go again, with much more than just the conference title on the line. If Georgia wins: they secure a first-round bye, and Alabama would likely be eliminated from playoff contention. If Georgia loses: they’d fall between the fifth and eighth seed in the playoff bracket. Alabama: needs this game to stay alive for a playoff spot. Let’s look at some Keys to victory: Georgia: win the turnover battle, avoid costly mistakes, establish Nate Frazier and the running game to control the clock, wear down Alabama’s front, and force Ty Simpson to beat them. Alabama: contain Stockton and keep him uncomfortable in the pocket, lean on Williams and Bernard in the passing game, and start fast to allow the defense to play relaxed rather than from behind. These two programs have given us memorable games before, and Saturday should be no different.
