Georgia vs. Alabama: Week 5 SEC Showdown Set to Shape Playoff Race

Georgia and Alabama always command the spotlight in college football when they clash, and Week 5 will feature another thrilling chapter of this SEC rivalry. For the first time since 2015, the two powerhouses will meet during the regular season.

In their most recent encounter, Alabama edged out Georgia with a 3-point victory in the 2023 SEC Championship Game. Georgia’s last win over the Tide came in the 2021 national championship.

Both teams are entering this matchup with significant changes. Most notably, Alabama no longer has Nick Saban at the helm, which might be a relief for Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who has a 1-5 record against his former mentor. Additionally, former Alabama assistant Travaris Robinson has joined Georgia’s staff, now serving as the co-defensive coordinator in his first season with the Bulldogs.

Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s new head coach, has had a flawless 3-0 start to his tenure, but the upcoming game against Georgia will serve as his true initiation into SEC football.

Georgia, ranked No. 2, is a 2.5-point road favorite according to FanDuel, but ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) has a different view. FPI gives No. 4 Alabama a 67% chance to win outright.

The Bulldogs boast the most impressive victory between the two, dominating No. 21 Clemson 34-3 in their season opener. However, doubts have emerged following a narrow 13-12 victory over an unranked Kentucky team last week, causing some to question the form of the reigning 2021 and 2022 national champions.

For Alabama, this will be their toughest challenge so far, following comfortable wins over Western Kentucky, South Florida, and Wisconsin.

Quarterback enthusiasts will be in for a treat, as Heisman Trophy contenders Carson Beck of Georgia and Jalen Milroe of Alabama are set to face off. It’s rare to see two Heisman hopefuls square off in the regular season, but this rivalry game delivers just that.

The stakes are high, with the winner gaining a major advantage in the race for the SEC Championship and likely securing a key position in College Football Playoff projections. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.