Georgia appeared destined to get to the 2022 College Football National Championship Game for most of the year until Alabama stood in their way. Now, the Bulldogs get a chance at revenge after sending a big statement in their 34-11 win over Michigan. Alabama suffocated Cincinnati en route to this contest, and the elitists of the college football world got their wish. Here are the betting odds and our prediction for the Alabama vs. Georgia championship bout.
Alabama vs. Georgia prediction and odds | 2022 FBS Championship
- Spread: Georgia -3 (Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Moneyline: Georgia -140, Alabama +120
- Over/Under: 52.5
Alabama vs. Georgia betting trends
The last time these two met, Georgia was favored by 6 points. Now, that spread is cut in half. Interestingly enough, the feelings coming into the game are similar. Many believe Georgia’s still the better team, but Alabama’s win in the SEC Championship Game is enough to keep them skeptical.
Georgia prides itself on its elite defense. Before the SEC title match, they never gave up more than 17 points this season. They allowed 41 to Alabama. To refocus, they only gave up 11 against Michigan, which they would tell you is too many. Keeping the Crimson Tide in check remains the biggest concern.
Georgia currently sits at 9-5 against the spread, and Alabama is 8-6. Surprisingly, both had the same ATS record in their last five games (3-2) and in ranked matchups (4-2).
Alabama sits at 1-2 against the spread when facing SEC East teams this year, while Georgia is 2-1 vs. the SEC West.
Alabama vs. Georgia prediction
It comes down to what Georgia can do offensively. Alabama dominated the previous matchup because they were able to find explosive plays and limit the Bulldogs’ offense.
Tight end Brock Bowers was the only reliable option for Stetson Bennett to find downfield, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken must find ways to get other players to contribute. Keep in mind that Bowers made a number of incredible, acrobatic catches for the Dawgs in that game too. He wasn’t running free in the Alabama secondary. Someone else must emerge as they did against the Wolverines.
Georgia did a great job negating Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in the Orange Bowl. Chips from tight ends and running backs — along with double teams — took away Michigan’s star enough for Bennett to find receivers downfield.
A repeat of that against Alabama’s Will Anderson could yield better results than in the SEC Championship.
Can the Crimson Tide knock off the Bulldogs?
Alabama has the win over Georgia as a reminder of who the superior team is in this game. But the spread favors Georgia for a reason. The Crimson Tide struggled to move the ball through the air against Cincinnati, and they’re in for a dog fight against Georgia’s front seven.
Someone must emerge outside of Jameson Williams at receiver. Fortunately for quarterback Bryce Young, he has options. Slade Bolden, Ja’Corey Brooks, Jahleel Billingsley, and nearly anyone that can catch a pass are weapons for the Tide. If one or more of them can take pressure off Williams, watch out. That also opens things up for Brian Robinson, and Cincinnati knows firsthand how painful that can be.
Alabama vs. Georgia prediction: Georgia 30, Alabama 28