Spread: Alabama -6.0
Moneyline: Alabama -235; Georgia +188
Over/Under: 57.0
*Odds via DraftKings.com
While the 2020 college football season is still relatively young and two conferences have yet even to start playing, it looks like one team is a lock to make the college football playoffs—Clemson. But with the Big 12 not looking too hot, there is a solid chance another conference, i.e., the SEC, could see two teams make it in.
Should that be the case, the two teams most likely to do so would be Alabama and Georgia—who happen to play this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
It may be too early to say there is anything definitively on the line in this game, but the winner will undoubtedly be in the driver’s seat for one of the four college playoff spots. However, while a loss would usually damage the other’s chances, that may not be the case this time.
But the margin of error for the loser will become much narrower. So—who is going to win?
Georgia Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Bulldogs entered the season with a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball. But they had one thing working in their favor—their defense. They had one of the best units in college football on that side of the ball last year, and most of it was coming back this season.
It is safe to say much of the same was expected. If the defense could contain opposing offenses well enough, maybe they could get things figured out on the offensive side of the ball.
During the first half of their season opener against Arkansas, it looked like the offense would need that help. That was okay because the defense looked up to the challenge. But then they changed quarterbacks at halftime of that game, and the offense has looked great ever since.
While Stetson Bennett continues to grow in his role as starting quarterback, the defense appears ready to give him some breathing room. After three games, they are the No. 1 defense against the run, No. 2 in total yards, No. 3 in passing efficiency, and tied for No. 5 in scoring.
However, while they appear to be a dominant unit, they have yet to play a team quite like Alabama.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Preview
If anyone had doubts about the Crimson Tide coming into this season, they must not know college football very well. No one reloads like Nick Saban does. When you recruit as well as he does, there will always be talent waiting in the wings for their chance. This year has been no different.
Mac Jones has brushed aside any concerns about him by completing a ridiculous 79.5 percent of his passes for 1101 yards and eight touchdowns. But he is not getting the job done by himself. Najee Harris has churned out 347 yards on the ground, including a 206-yard, five-touchdown effort last week against Ole Miss.
It also helps to have two future NFL wide receivers to throw to in Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith. However, while the offense is incredible, the defense is not. While it did not look bad against Missouri or Texas A&M, it was terrible against Ole Miss (48 points and 647 total yards allowed).
Does this mean the defense is vulnerable to good offenses? Possibly. But luckily, they have the No. 1 scoring offense, No. 2 passing offense, and No. 3 total offense, putting games out of reach for most teams.
But Georgia is not like ‘most teams.’
Georgia at Alabama Betting Prediction
If you watch one football game all year, this is the one you should watch. It will feature many future NFL stars, tons of offense, and some stellar defensive play as well. Georgia is certainly going to move the ball on Alabama’s defense. But the question is whether the Georgia defense can slow down the Alabama offensive juggernaut enough.
Look for this one to be a close, high-scoring game. Either team could end up winning, but going with Alabama to win straight up is the safer bet. However, go with Georgia to win against the spread. Their defense is too good not to slow Alabama down a little. With how the Crimson Tide defense has looked, they will put up some points.
Will Georgia put up enough to win? That is hard to say, but they will put up enough to cover the spread. As for the over/under—this one is easy.
Take the over.
Travis’ Best Bet: Georgia +6 and OVER 57
