Big game in the SEC this week

CBS has to be kicking itself for passing on the Georgia vs Alabama game this week and letting their rivals have the game after choosing to go with Tennessee and Auburn. Alabama and Georgia both enter this game with something to prove. Alabama has for years been trying to become an elite program again and a win over the Bulldogs would go a long way to letting everyone in college football know that Alabama was back. Georgia, despite their recent success, is still fighting the image that they are not truly one of CFB's top programs. In recent seasons setbacks against WVU and Tennessee have gone a long way to establishing that reputation.

To be completely honest, this looks like a trap game for Georgia. The program has everything to lose and not a ton to gain in this one which is generally a bad place for Georgia. Over the years Mark Richt has found ways to lose these games and keep Georgia from being firmly entrenched in the national title discussion. A win would help the program but Alabama is still ahead of schedule and one year removed from a rough season. A loss on the other hand knocks them out of the national title hunt and cements the Richt legacy of struggling in big games.

Alabama has been playing lights out this year. Their offensive line has been dominating games and providing Wilson the time he needs to pick defenses apart. Saban always focuses on defense and the Tide appear to be greatly improved on defense this season. The Georgia offense has not been running on all cylinders yet this season and if UGA is going to win they need the offense to step up.

Georgia will look to control the clock and dictate the tempo of this game. Stafford must protect the football and not give Alabama any easy touchdowns. Like his coach, Stafford has had mixed success on the big stages. You can't argue his arm strength but his decision making still gets him in trouble. In the end, I like Bama to pull off the upset in this one. It will be close and it will be a punishing game but Bama should come out on top.

Final Score: Alabama 17 Georgia 14