Staff Predictions for Alabama vs Georgia in the SEC Championship
The Georgia Bulldogs meet with the Alabama Crimson Tide for the second time in Atlanta in two seasons and the Bulldogs look to avenge their loss on the final play of the national championship.
Here is who the Tide 102.9/100.9 staff has coming out with the SEC Championship and one step closer to another national championship appearance.
Martin Houston, Host of The Blitz
12-0 - The perfect regular season and in the words of legendary coach Gene Stallings - “We haven’t won anything yet." Well the 2018 Crimson Tide looks to change that Saturday against the Georgia Bulldog in Teacher vs Pupil & Bama vs Georgia Part 2. The Tide has made easy work of its first 12 opponents, but the Bulldogs and their 2 headed monster at running back will look to change that narrative. Kirby is building a perennial contender and potentially dethrone the Bama dynasty, but not on this Saturday. Tua and Company take care of business and secure their place in History with a resounding defeat of the Bulldogs. The Tide defense answers the bell and limits the dogs to 17 points and Tua punches his tickets to New York to pick up Bama’s 3rd Heisman and 1st ever for a QB. Also look for an standout performances from Josh Jacobs, Quinnen Williams, Raekwon Davis, Mack Wilson and the entire WR core.
Alabama 41 - Georgia 23
Wimp Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
I really believe Georgia has taken on Kirby’s tough mentality. This time Georgia has had time to game plan for Tua and this offense. Georgia is in a do or die situation and will won a close one.
Georgia 31 - Alabama 28
Barry Sanderson, Co-Host of Inside the Locker Room
The key to stopping Bama is getting to the quarterback. Georgia is 13th in the SEC in sacks. This Bama defense has improved throughout the season making point hard to come by. These 2 combinations I believe will give the edge to Bama in both areas. The kicking game will keep Georgia in it early but the Tide pulls away in the fourth quarter.
Alabama 38 - Georgia 17
Gary Harris, Host of The Gary Harris Show
Alabama is the best team in the SEC and the country. In my opinion that isn't debatable. When two teams play a football game though, the best team doesn't always win. This is why we love sports so much...nothing is ever a sure thing. I believe that Georgia is capable of beating Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, but only if Alabama doesn't play it's best. Alabama will play well and although I do expect the Bulldogs to play the Crimson Tide closer than any other team this season, in the end Bama will roll to SEC Championship number 27 and the number one spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Alabama 38 - Georgia 20
Travis Reier, Host of Southern Fried Sports
Can you tell that I don’t fully trust the backend of the Alabama defense to prevent another Arkansas from happening? On the other hand, there are zero trust issues where the Alabama offense is concerned. Not against a UGA defense that struggles to get after the quarterback.
Alabama 37 - Georgia 27
Ryan Fowler, Host of The Game
Alabama and Georgia are comparable within most of the important statistical categories, except for one. Bulldogs are one of the worst teams in CFB and at the bottom in the SEC in sacking the quarterback. Georgia will have to find a way to put pressure on Tua Tagovailoa on Saturday or it will be a long afternoon for them. Alabama needs to do a better job of stopping the rush and I think they clean up some deficiencies.
Alabama 35 - Georgia 21
Ben George, Digital Managing Editor
It really feels like Georgia might be the toughest matchup for Alabama this season. Sure, Clemson has a stout front seven but the secondary isn't as good. And the Bulldogs can run the ball, which is the key to controlling the clock and keep Tua on the sideline. I also look at Georgia's ability to limit big plays, which is absolutely necessary when facing the Tide's offense. As much as I've been saying that this Alabama team is in the middle of a historic season, I'm leaning towards this one being closer than the spread would indicate.
Alabama 34 - Georgia 24
Josh Smith, Producer
Georgia's single loss of the season came to one of Alabama's shut out teams LSU. Georgia gave up just shy of 500 yards, and only produced 113 yards on the ground against an LSU team that gave up 281 yards rushing to the Tide. The Aggies showed the nation early that you can't face the Tide from one dimension. The Bulldogs must put pressure on Tua, and be able to keep the rushing gauntlet at bay to keep things interesting.
Alabama 45 - Georgia 38
James Hardy, Producer
For the second time this calendar year, the Tide and the Bulldogs square off in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. A season ago, a star was born in the form of No. 13 Tua Tagovailoa. Although Jake Fromm has played remarkably well since mid-October, Alabama's sophomore signal caller will remind the Bulldogs of the heartbreak that they experienced in January.
Alabama 38 - Georgia 24
Marquis Munson, Brand Manager/Producer
This rematch is set up similar to the national championship with one major issues for the Georgia Bulldogs, the defense. I don't think the Bulldogs have the big play defensive player like they had last season with Roquan Smith. One play can make a difference and you can tell from Georgia's pass rush this season, they need a guy like Smith in the lineup. However, I think the Bulldogs have a similar offense than last season and fell like they can score on this Alabama team. But it won't be enough on defense to stop Tua Tagovailoa.
Alabama 38 - Georgia 28