The No. 17 Alabama Crimson Tide head to Athens for one of the biggest matchups of the early season, and there is no shortage of motivation for the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs.
On Game Runs Deep, the focus centered on how much last season’s matchup in Tuscaloosa still lingers and how it could shape this game.
Georgia has not forgotten. A year ago, Alabama jumped out early before the Bulldogs rallied, only for the Crimson Tide to secure the win with a late interception. That result still carries weight, and there is a belief the Dawgs view this as a continuation rather than a new matchup.
Playing at home, with extra preparation, Georgia enters with confidence and urgency. Under head coach Kirby Smart, these are the types of games the program expects to win, but the results against the Tide specifically haven’t been great. Smart is 1-6 against Alabama since becoming the head coach at UGA in 2016.
There are still questions on both sides. Alabama, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, appears to be improving after an uneven start. The offense has shown flashes, and there is belief it can challenge the Dawgs’ secondary, which remains an area to watch.
If the Tide can create explosive plays through the air, they can keep pace, but Georgia’s offense, coming off a strong performance against Tennessee, may have the edge in consistency.
Both teams have the talent to make this a four-quarter game. but the combination of motivation, home field and recent momentum points toward the Dawgs. The expectation is a close game, but one where Georgia finds a way to finish this time.