Alabama, Georgia replay 2017 classic

ATLANTA >> Nick Saban and Kirby Smart posed stiffly behind the trophy, forcing smiles for the cameras. Saban whispered something in his former assistant’s ear, drawing a bit of a chuckle.

Then, a quick handshake, and off they went in opposite directions.

It was a formality that had to wait until the last day of November. But, really, they could’ve done it months ago.

As soon as Alabama and Georgia walked off the field at MercedesBenz Stadium almost 11 months ago — the Crimson Tide in triumph, the Bulldogs in despair — a rematch seemed inevitable. Now, it’s here.

On Saturday, at the very same place where the Tide captured the fifth national title of the Saban era, these two powerhouses will square off again. A SEC championship is on the line, as well as a trip to the College Football Playoff.

“We certainly want to win every game that we play,” said Saban, who is trying to guide the No. 1 Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC, No. 1 CFP) to its sixth national title in the last decade.

Fourth-ranked Georgia (11-1, 7-1, No. 4 CFP) is eager to start a dynasty of its own.

Smart, a longtime assistant under Saban who moved to Georgia in 2016, has already shown he can go head-to-head with his ex-boss on the recruiting trail.

Now, Smart is eager to prevail on the field. He sure came close the last time these teams met, watching his team squander a pair of 13-point leads before Alabama won 26-23 in overtime on a 41-yard touchdown pass while facing second-and-26. 4p.m., CBS