TUA FOR THE SHOW
TAGOVAILOA, TIDE FACE GEORGIA FOR SEC CROWN, SPOT IN PLAYOFF
KEYS FOR ALABAMA
LET TUA BE TUA: The first key is easy — keep Tua upright. In Tua Tagovailoa, the Crimson Tide have the highestrated quarterback in the country. He’s been a dynamic playmaker who can beat defenses in multiple ways, posting gaudy numbers (36 TDs to just 2 INTs) and changing the tempo of what had been a grind-it-out Alabama roster. Georgia hasn’t been especially proficient in terms of sacking QBs, and Alabama’s offensive line has only given up 11 sacks.
KEEP IT FROM THE KICKERS: Alabama has been dominant in just about every phase, except the kicking game. Consider that Alabama has missed eight PATs and five of 18 field goal attempts. If Alabama lets Georgia hang around and it comes down to a battle of field goal kickers, expect Nick Saban’s palms to get a bit sweaty.
KEYS FOR GEORGIA
SCORE WHEN YOU CAN: Georgia’s biggest bugaboo has been punching the ball across the goal line, even though the Bulldogs have little trouble getting it down there. Georgia’s red zone offense — or more specifically, the offense inside the final three yards — is one of the worst in FBS. Alabama is tough up front and some creativity might be necessary for the Bulldogs to rack up much-needed touchdowns.
EMBRACE THE UNDERDOG ROLE: Georgia has been favored all year, which can lead to pressure-packed situations. But the pressure is on Alabama here, which is more than a touchdown favorite. If Kirby Smart can get his team to play loose, this could get interesting.
PREDICTION
ALABAMA 37, GEORGIA 31: Alabama has been the most dominant college football team in years and to pick against the Tide would be silly. But don’t be surprised if Georgia keeps this tight into the fourth quarter again.