Georgia-Alabama: Spread, Total, Breakdown and Best Bet for SEC Championship Game

For the fourth time in the past dozen seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs will duke it out in the SEC Championship Game.

Notably, the Bulldogs are looking to win their 30th consecutive game while eyeing a third straight CFP National Championship. FanDuel Sportsbook has Georgia priced at +185 to go all the way. Of course, Alabama is the team to most recently defeat UGA, knocking them off in this same conference title game back in 2021. So, what are we in store for this time around?

As two powerhouse programs of the modern era, these familiar foes have combined to win five of the last eight national titles. Currently, both UGA and 'Bama control their own destiny going forward, but a win this Saturday by the Tide will certainly shake up the College Football Playoff landscape. Still, either program here has a quality shot to return to the promised land by season's end.

Along with the Pac-12 Championship Game, this Saturday's clash in Downtown Atlanta should prove most pivotal for the 2023-24 playoff picture. No sense wasting any more time; let's dive into the odds and lines for the SEC championship, keeping the emphasis on the most valuable of the traditional betting markets.

All college football odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

SEC Championship Betting Odds: Spread, Moneyline and Total

Kickoff: Saturday (Dec. 2), 4 p.m. ET on CBS

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

Spread: Georgia -5.5

Moneyline:

• Alabama: +160
• Georgia: -194

Total: 54.5 (-115/-105)*

*Dropped one point between Wednesday and Thursday

Georgia vs. Alabama Analysis

Nearly 700 days have passed since Georgia and Alabama last shared the gridiron.

Naturally, the most recent meeting came 2021-22 National Championship Game, wherein UGA outlasted the Tide, earning their first natty since 1980. However, as mentioned, Georgia's last loss came just a month prior to that when Bryce Young and 'Bama rolled over the Dawgs for another SEC crown.

As two charter members of college football's top conference, Alabama and UGA have been in opposite SEC divisions since 1992. Simply, we don't necessarily see these sides compete head-to-head every season, so we must enjoy it when the matchup comes around.

Almighty Georgia is en route of college football's first national three-peat since the Great Depression. Before that can happen, 12-0 UGA will need to prove they are still top "dawg" in their conference. However, there is a world where Georgia loses on Saturday but still goes on to qualify for the CFP; that's exactly what occurred in 2021.

The Crimson Tide will arrive in Atlanta at 11-1 straight up. Through a dozen contests in 2023, 'Bama was bested by only the Texas Longhorns (who are also in action this weekend for the Big 12 title), losing in Tuscaloosa back in early September. Since then, head coach Nick Saban's bunch has snapped off 10 straight victories.

Is Alabama ready once again to stop the Bulldogs in their tracks? In numberFire's power rankings, the two are rated only five sports apart: Georgia yields an nERD rating of 24.47 while the Tide show 21.02. Transparently, I believe this translates to a one-score contest this weekend.

Typically known for a dominant defense, UGA has received more help from the offense in 2023. Quarterback Carson Beck has orchestrated the show with poise and precision, showing FBS' sixth-best QBR of 85.4. Utilizing talented pass catchers Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey and Dominic Lovett, the Dawgs are scoring 39.6 PPG this year, which is slightly better than their 2021 clip.

Of course, 'Bama (35.8 PPG in 2023) has a talented signal-caller in their own right. Showing much improvement through the campaign, sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe has done well to pick up where his Heisman predecessor left off. In 12 games, Milroe has produced 33 total scores while committing only 6 interceptions. After his performance in the Iron Bowl versus the archrival Auburn Tigers, Milroe and the Tide are ready to take on the world.

On defense, both schools are allowing less than 20.0 PPG versus respectable competition. 'Bama boasts a dynamic cornerback tandem in Kool-Aid McKinstry (6 PD) and Terrion Arnold (5 INT, 6 TFL). For UGA, they are led by safety Tykee Smith, who paces the Dawgs in tackles with 63 (and has 7.5 TFL). Still, both of these defensive units seem a beat behind where they were last year.

With the Tide backed into a corner (knowing their CFP hopes now rest on the SEC title game), how will they respond? One thing is for sure -- Saturday afternoon can't arrive soon enough.

Georgia vs. Alabama Best Bet

Over 54.5 (-115)

Undoubtedly, Georgia-Alabama will be a heavyweight scrap. When surveying the support received at FanDuel Sportsbook (as of Thursday afternoon), it reflects intense two-way action in both moneyline and against the spread (ATS) markets. Additionally, both the line and total have dropped by one point between Wednesday and Thursday. With all that considered, I prefer a play on over 54.5 combined points in the SEC championship.

Both sides here are strong all around on offense. 'Bama and Georgia each run the rock with the best of them, showing north of 175 rushing yards per game apiece. Jase McClellan is the Tide's latest dynamic tailback, showing 4.8 yards per carry. For the Dawgs, halfback Daijun Edwards has scampered to 11 touchdowns in 2023.

This time around, I think the respective offenses have enough firepower to make their presence felt. Along with those mentioned, 'Bama transfer-receiver Jermaine Burton (who actually won the 2021 natty with Georgia) is one of the top deep threats in the country, showing 22.7 yards per reception this year. Don't be surprised if Burton takes the top off his former team.

I respect the defenses at hand, but it is tough to ignore that these conference rivals are collectively averaging greater than 75.0 PPG. Inside the offensively friendly confines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (on the fast FieldTurf), I am confident we see at least 55 total points in Atlanta.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.