On Saturday, September 27, one of college football’s most exciting rivalries, (17) Alabama versus (5) Georgia, meets for the 75th time under the lights of Sanford Stadium. Alabama leads the series 44-26-4 as they head into Athens, GA to play in front of a national audience at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup could stir up an early playoff picture for both the SEC championship and a national championship. Both teams are entering week 5 off a bye, and both have healthy teams setting the game up to be a memorable primetime clash.
For the Crimson Tide, it’s redemption time after a rocky start to the Kalen DeBoer era. Alabama stumbled in its opener with a 31-17 loss to Florida State but bounced back with a convincing 38-14 thumping of Wisconsin last week. DeBoer’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it is Alabama’s defense that is ranked allowing less than 20 points. The defense must show up against Georgia’s run heavy offense for Bama to have a chance at a win. “We’ve got to execute in hostile territory,” DeBoer said post-bye. “This is what Alabama football is about: rising to the moment.”
The Bulldogs, head coached by Kirby Smart, are off to a thrilling start with their 44-41 overtime walk-off victory against Tennessee. Georgia’s defense remains a nightmare for opponents, forcing turnovers at a great rate. Smart, who holds a 1-4 record against Alabama in recent matchups (including 0-3 in SEC title games), knows their history well. He stated, “Alabama’s always tough, Saban or no Saban,”. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Dawgs a slim 55% edge at home, but Smart’s squad is eyeing its first win over Bama since 2021.
As the clock ticks toward Saturday’s kickoff, the SEC holds its breath. Will Alabama’s new era spark a road upset, or will Georgia’s home-field magic pave the way to their playoff path? Catch the action on ABC and witness history unfold in this historic rivalry.
What to know before the game
- Alabama is 119th in third down defense, allowing opponents to convert 45.9% of the time. Georgia ranks 43rd on offense, converting on 45.7% of third downs.
- Georgia ranks 85th in the FBS with a -1 turnover margin, compared to Alabama’s 4th-ranked +6 margin.
- Alabama ranks 91st in the FBS averaging 60.7 penalty yards per game, compared to Georgia’s 4th-ranked 26 per-game average.
- Alabama is 112th in FBS in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 100% of trips. Georgia’s red zone offense ranks 38th, scoring on 92.9% of red zone opportunities.
- Georgia ranks 5th in the FBS with an average time of possession of 35:22.
How to watch: ABC 7:30 ET
Key stats
Georgia Offense
Overall: 470.3 yards per game (24th in FBS)
Passing: 261.3 yards per game (43rd)
Rushing: 209 yards per game (30th)
Scoring: 39 points per game (30th)
Georgia Defense
Overall: 299.7 yards per game (39th in FBS)
Passing: 217 yards per game (81st)
Rushing: 82.7 yards per game (17th)
Scoring: 18 points per game (39th)
Alabama Offense
Overall: 459.3 yards per game (31st in FBS)
Passing: 335.7 yards per game (9th)
Rushing: 123.7 yards per game (103rd)
Scoring: 42.7 points per game (19th)
Alabama Defense
Overall: 246.3 yards per game (17th in FBS)
Passing: 108 yards per game (3rd)
Rushing: 138.3 yards per game (71st)
Scoring: 15 points per game (27th)
