Georgia vs. Alabama: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The College Football world will turn its attention to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday as the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs take on the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide in one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 5.

This game marks the first time the two SEC powerhouses meet since Nick Saban retired as Alabama head coach, as his successor Kalen DeBoer has led the Tide to a dominant start in his first season.

Georgia enters as slight road favorites with a -2.0 spread and the total sitting at 48.5.

With the stage set for a potentially season-defining battle, let’s break down the picks, predictions and betting odds for this thrilling SEC showdown.

Georgia vs. Alabama betting picks and predictions

Georgia -2.0 (-110)

Georgia comes into this matchup with a clear sense of purpose. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Kirby Smart, haven’t forgotten their last meeting with Alabama – a 27-24 loss in the 2023 SEC Championship Game that knocked Georgia out of the College Football Playoff.

This year, Georgia boasts more continuity, experience and talent, making them the favorites, even in the hostile environment of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The Bulldogs’ advantage starts in the trenches. Georgia’s offensive line is one of the best in the nation, and despite the absence of star offensive guard Tate Ratledge, they should still be able to hold off Alabama’s defensive front.

Alabama’s young secondary, starting multiple freshmen, may struggle against the accuracy and poise of Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for 243 yards in last year’s SEC Championship matchup.

Beck has a wealth of offensive talent around him, featuring a five-deep receiver room, one of the best tight ends in the country in Oscar Delp and a dynamic duo in the backfield with Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazier.

On the defensive side, Georgia has one of the most disciplined units in college football. The Bulldogs’ defense is designed to limit explosive plays, which could prove problematic for Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

While Milroe is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, his speed may not be as effective against Georgia’s swarming defense.

Last year, the Bulldogs sacked Milroe four times in the SEC title game, and they’ll look to pressure him again with key defenders like outside linebacker Jalon Walker and defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. 

Remember, even in the face of a couple of key injuries on defense, Georgia has yet to surrender one touchdown this season. Even if the potential No. 1 overall pick, edge rusher Mykel Williams, cannot go for the Bulldogs on Saturday, Georgia’s defense still has the edge. 

Given Georgia’s experience and their ability to expose Alabama’s young secondary, expect the Bulldogs to cover the -2.0 spread and continue their quest for an undefeated season.

Under 48.5 total points (-110)

The total for this game has dropped from 54.0 at open to 48.5, signaling expectations for a defensive battle.

Both teams feature talented defensive lines, and the trenches will likely dictate much of this game’s outcome. Georgia’s defense is known for limiting explosive plays, while Alabama’s offense thrives on them, especially with a young star in freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams.

However, Georgia’s secondary is far more experienced and equipped to contain big plays downfield, and Williams will face a much tougher challenge than he did in Alabama’s 42-10 win over Wisconsin in Week 3.

On the other side, Alabama’s defense has been stout, statistically, allowing just 26 points through their first three games under Kalen DeBoer.

However, they will need to continue forcing turnovers as they forced two fumbles at Wisconsin and two interceptions against Western Kentucky.

Perhaps with Ratledge out, the Tide can generate enough pressure to force Beck into a bad throw or a strip sack. 

Both teams are coming off a bye week, meaning they’ll be well-prepared for this matchup. Milroe, though an improving passer, will likely be forced into more methodical drives, which could lead to mistakes against Georgia’s defense.

With a game script that favors Georgia controlling the pace, the Under is the smart play here. A lower-scoring affair seems likely, with Georgia’s defense being the key to shutting down Alabama’s offensive weapons.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Georgia vs. Alabama odds

Georgia	-130 ML
Alabama	+110 ML
Spread	Georgia -2.0
Total Points	O/U 48.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.