I will admit this is the first time I've ever been in the Georgia Dome other than an Atlanta Falcons game. SEC FanFare was a madhouse with a carnival-like atmosphere. I'm sitting in the media workroom indulging on probably the best damn pot roast other than my grandmothers, it's probably time to give my game prediction.
Keys To The Game:
* Quarterback - AJ McCarron has been the step-up QB compared to Aaron Murray, who has been known to struggle in major matchups.
* Discipline - Despite the offsides call that cost Alabama a chance to make a dramatic comeback against Texas A&M, Georgia has been known with a reputation when it comes to penalties. Most games this season, the Bulldogs were penalized 12 times. Nick Saban's motto has always been discipline and perfection, you rarely see the Tide get penalized.
*Coaching - Nick Saban thrives in the big matchups with a National audience watching him to dominate or to fail. After the Texas A&M loss, Alabama has been on a tear. Mark Richt is being considered on the hot seat every year, despite a 10-2 record. Georgia has not won an SEC Championship since 2005, and their last chance they were embarrassed by LSU and the Honey Badger. Coaching Advantage goes to the Tide.
*Pass Rush - The Bulldogs led by Jarvis Jones, have a very nasty pass rush. However, Alabama's bread and butter is the run, which Georgia is ranked 67th in America when it comes to Rushing defense. If Georgia can produce a pass rush through a very talented offensive line, this game will be too close for comfort. Alabama lost Kenny Bell with a leg injury which might lead Alabama to go to the running game.
*Air Attack - Despite Aaron Murray's failures to close the deal in big games, he does have a potent air attack. If you asked me for a weakness in Alabama's defense (and it's hard to find a weakness) it would be the Secondary. If the Georgia offensive can give Murray protection, it could be a long day for the Secondary.
With all of that said, Georgia can keep this game tight in the 1st half. But Alabama will eventually wear down the Bulldog Rush defense and gash them to punch their ticket to Miami.
Alabama 27
Georgia 17
