TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Las Vegas has spoken, and Alabama being favored by 10 1/2 points over Georgia was simply not enough, according to VegasInsider.com
The No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide, the first team in history to win its first 12 games in a season by 20 or more points, is now a 13 1/2-point favorite to beat SEC East Division champ Georgia in the league title game.
Alabama (12-0) is coming off a 52-21 victory over rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl last Saturday in Tuscaloosa and appears to be nearing full strength.
RELATED: Tide opens as double-digit favorite to roll Bulldogs
The Bulldogs (11-1) cruised to a 38-7 halftime lead over Georgia Tech on Saturday before Coach Kirby Smart took his foot off the gas and subbed liberally, making for a 45-21 final score.
Alabama has an edge in the statistical profile of the teams, but Smart points out there are some similarities.
RELATED: Georgia football statistical numbers vs. Alabama’s
“Common thing would be quarterback play and third down conversions and protecting the ball and not turning the ball over a lot,” Smart said on Sunday. “Those are similarities. Both got good set of backs, good set of receivers. Both teams are scoring points. Biggest difference is they play better defense, obviously, than we have, and we’ve got to improve upon that.”
Tide coach Nick Saban praised Georgia quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Justin Fields on Sunday.
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Fromm led the Bulldogs to an SEC Championship Game win last season and very nearly a national title.
Alabama beat Georgia in last season’s national title game 26-23 in overtime after 2018 Heisman Trophy favorite Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench at halftime to rally the Tide for a victory.
Road to Atlanta
- Part 1: Special teams, Georgia has the edge
- Part 2: Rush defense, Alabama has the edge
- Part 3: Pass defense, Georgia has the edge
- Part 4: Rush offense is even between UGA, Bama
- Part 5: Pass offense, Alabama has the edge