Georgia vs Alabama Game Preview
Photo by ESPN
As we head into week five, there's one showdown that every college football fan has had circled on their calendar for months: Georgia vs. Alabama. This isn't just a game; it's the continuation of a modern-day rivalry that has delivered some of the most iconic moments in recent college football history. From Alabama’s unforgettable comebacks in the 2018 National Championship and SEC Championship, to Georgia’s revenge in the 2022 title game, and last year’s classic where Alabama snapped Georgia’s near two-season winning streak, this clash promises to be nothing short of legendary. In 2024, with both teams hungry for playoff positioning, this might be the most epic chapter yet in one of college football's fiercest rivalries.
Will georgia’s road struggles continue?
Photo by Bulldawg Illustrated
The last couple seasons, we have seen a bit of a trend for the Georgia Bulldogs going on the road. Whether it was their nail-biter against Missouri in 2022, the close call at Auburn in 2023, or their narrow escape against Kentucky just two weeks ago, Kirby Smart’s team has shown some vulnerability away from Athens. The most recent scare, a 13-12 win over Kentucky where Georgia entered as 24-point favorites, raised serious concerns.
While Georgia’s defense was its usual dominant self, the offense sputtered, particularly in the first half. Both the rushing and passing games posted a PPA (predicted points added) below zero in that stretch, a major red flag. Though they picked it up in the second half, a sluggish start like this against Alabama could dig a hole too deep to climb out of. Throw in what’s sure to be an electric, hostile crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night, and Georgia simply cannot afford another slow start if they hope to leave Tuscaloosa with a win.
Georgia passing attack vs. Alabama secondary
Photo by SBNation
This was a key factor I highlighted when previewing Alabama’s game against Wisconsin two weeks ago, and it’s going to be just as crucial here: Alabama’s secondary. While talented, it’s also very young, with several freshmen seeing significant playing time. Their first three opponents weren’t able to exploit this inexperience, but Carson Beck and Georgia’s passing attack will be the biggest challenge they’ve faced yet.
Alabama’s pass defense has been nothing short of elite so far, ranking third in the nation with a stingy 78.9 opponent passer rating and leading the country in opponent yards per attempt, allowing just 3.2. However, Georgia represents a different beast entirely. While they struggled against Kentucky, Georgia absolutely torched Clemson’s defense, which is very talented. Carson Beck threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns in that game, posting a 92 QBR and showcasing his ability to create explosive plays. Whether Alabama’s young secondary can hold up against this high-powered Georgia offense could very well determine who emerges victorious in this colossal showdown.
How does Alabama look against a real defense?
Photo by Dale Zanine
While Wisconsin has a respectable secondary and an overall decent defense, they’re nothing compared to what Alabama will face Saturday night. Through three games, the Tide rank in the top ten of nearly every offensive metric, rushing or passing. Quarterback Jalen Milroe has excelled in first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer’s offense, currently second in the SEC in PPA per play thus far. Milroe’s dual-threat ability, especially paired with running back Jam Miller—who is averaging over nine yards per carry—has unlocked an elite Alabama offense in 2024. Add in a couple elite receivers in Germie Bernard and true freshman Ryan Williams and you can see why the Tide have one of the hardest offenses in the country to stop.
However, standing in their way is one of the toughest defenses in college football. Georgia’s week one domination of Clemson, which has since shown offensive firepower with 59 points against NC State, was a statement. The Tigers finished with an offensive PPA below zero and a success rate of just 28%. Georgia’s defense also ranks sixth nationally in opponents’ yards per play, giving up just 3.6. But there’s a looming question: how healthy is this Bulldogs’ defense? Key defensive linemen Mykel Williams and Warren Brinson are game-time decisions, and their presence could be critical in Georgia’s attempt to stifle Alabama’s explosive offense.
