Game of the Week: Undefeateds Georgia and Alabama Square Off in SEC Showdown

This week’s Roundtable college football Game of the Week is the SEC showdown between two powerhouse programs: the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

The two 5-0 clubs will meet in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. 

To get an in-depth look at the weekend’s biggest matchup, Georgia Roundtable writer Michael Brauner and Bama Roundtable publisher Evan Massey providing an inside look. 

Georgia RTB: Whether or not the Bulldogs can reverse history and win in Tuscaloosa for the first time in almost two decades. Head Coach Kirby Smart has beaten Alabama twice, but only in rematch games. Can Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton step up and get it done for him on the road, and can the Georgia defense limit Bama passer Keelon Russell?

Bama RTB: The biggest storyline has to do with Russell. He’s played like a Heisman candidate over the last few weeks. However, the Georgia defense is by far the best he has faced. Can he continue his hot play? Or will the Bulldogs cool him off?

Georgia RTB: Alabama’s run defense against Georgia’s ground attack. With the Bulldogs down one running back in Chauncey Bowens and Nate Frazier likely still limited, will Georgia be able to get enough going on the ground? The answer likely determines the winner. 

Bama RTB: This is a two-fold answer for Alabama. This game will be won in the trenches. Can the Tide keep Russell protected and upright? Can they get after Stockton? The offensive and defensive line matchups will decide this game.

Georgia RTB: Running back Dwight Phillips. He may be in line for a massive role carrying the ball with Bowens out, and if he can have a big night, it’s going go a long way. 

Bama RTB: Wide receiver Rico Scott for Alabama. Georgia will focus on taking Ryan Coleman-Williams and Lotzeir Brooks away. Scott will have opportunities to make plays. He needs to rise to the occasion.

Georgia RTB: Whether or not Georgia can make explosive plays down the field will determine if they win. They haven’t needed many so far, but this is a different animal. The wide receiver room that was questioned all offseason is about to face its biggest test. 

Bama RTB: The Crimson Tide defense has been hit or miss. The secondary has given up too many big plays. Against a quarterback like Stockton, they have to limit the explosives. If they can do that, they’ll have a good chance to come out on top.

Georgia RTB: Alabama 34, Georgia 24

Bama RTB: Alabama 35, Georgia 31