Roll Tide Wire predictions for Alabama vs. Georgia in SEC title game

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On Saturday afternoon, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs meet in the SEC Championship Game for the fifth time since the 2012 season, as well as the first since their most recent clash in 2023.

Two teams very familiar with the conference’s biggest stage, this season’s SEC Championship Game is also unique from those previously via the fact that it is a rematch between the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs. Alabama and Georgia previously met earlier this season in Athens, a game where the Crimson Tide came away with a massive 24-21 win.

As for the rematch, similar to earlier this season, there are huge stakes attached for both teams, in particular when it comes to the College Football Playoff (CFP). An argument can be made that both teams are in the 12-team bracket going in, but what could really be on the line Saturday in Atlanta is a potential first round CFP bye.

Following are predictions for the SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia from the Roll Tide Wire staff.

Matt Melton’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 27, Georgia Bulldogs 24

The last three times these two teams have met, the final score has been decided by one possession, and honestly, I see that being the same once again in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. Similar to each of those games as well, I could see Alabama being the team that comes away with the victory, as the Crimson Tide have simply just had Georgia’s number under Kirby Smart, as well as in the SEC Championship Game overall.

Expect a four quarter battle between the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs, but for a motivated Alabama team playing for their CFP lives to get the win, and potentially put themselves in conversation for a first round bye as well.

Steve Holley’s prediction: Georgia Bulldogs 23, Alabama Crimson Tide 16

Neither Alabama or Georgia looked great last week. Georgia’s Gunner Stockton was held to 70 yards against Georgia Tech. He could have thrown for half that and the Bulldogs would have still won that game by two scores. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson got a big confidence boost with his clutch throw against Auburn on fourth-and-goal at the Auburn 6-yard line.

Alabama’s offense will need to keep the hammer down for four quarters instead of just 30 minutes. That’s going to be hard to do against a Georgia defense that ranks 13th in fewest yards allowed; Alabama is 12th in total defense. Because of that, I think this is (largely) a defensive struggle for 60 minutes and that Georgia finds a way to win.

Regardless of what happens with the playoff and whatever ends up being the committee’s “criteria” this week, this has been a successful year for Alabama — even if it loses Saturday. The Crimson Tide beat rivals Auburn, Tennessee, LSU, and they won seven other games. That’s a good year where I come from.

Rob King’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 20, Georgia Bulldogs 23

Georgia, 23-20. Georgia slows down the Alabama running game. Georgia wins time of possession. Ty Simpson is pressured at times during the game. Georgia grinds out a win by running the ball and stopping the run.

Jake Boico’s prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 20, Georgia Bulldogs 17

Both of Alabama and Georgia will enter this contest with a number of different injuries, and the Tide will need to be at their very best on both sides of the football throughout the entire matchup. I believe the game will be extremely close, but ultimately the Alabama defense will prove to play a crucial role, despite missing multiple defensive linemen, and the Tide will win by a score of 20-17.

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football vs. Georgia predictions for SEC Championship Game

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