Ad Disclosure
Paul Finebaum gives early prediction for massive Alabama vs. Georgia matchup
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Paul Finebaum is plugged into the SEC like no one else, and he’s ready to gauge the vibe of what could be the Game of the Year. That matchup is this week’s showdown between Georgia and Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide have produced some all-time meetings in recent history, including games to decide the national champion between Kirby Smart and Nick Saban. However, this will be the first matchup between Smart and new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer.
While Finebaum felt entering the year that this game leaned in favor of Georgia, he sees things in a different light coming out of Week 4:
“It’s completely opposite of what it was two weeks ago when I felt confident in Georgia,” Finebaum said during an appearance on DawgNation’s “On the Beat.” “I think the signs point toward Alabama…”
Finebaum’s reasoning boils down the current attitude of the Crimson Tide. He is not worried about the culture since the change from Saban to DeBoer, and the SEC Network analyst sees a confident program after steamrolling Wisconsin in Week 3 and the past success vs. Georgia.
“Alabama is a very loose confident team, and I’ve talked to these Alabama players and Nick Saban in Dallas, and he said ‘Don’t worry about our culture,” Finebaum said. “They are confident, and part of the confidence comes from their wins over Georgia.”
Both Alabama and Georgia enter Week 5 undefeated and coming off a bye in Week 4. In their last games, the Tide beat Wisconsin in a major road performance while the Bulldogs squeaked out a road win vs. Kentucky.
Part of the equation for Finebaum’s analysis comes down to injuries for Georgia and some questions about the recent performances of Carson Beck. Finebaum sees a loss for the Bulldogs at some point in the future, and this could be it.
“It feels like they’ve got a loss coming here somewhere, whether it’s this week or Texas or Ole Miss or somewhere,” Finebaum said.
Paul Finebaum explained why he likes #Alabama over #Georgia … and shared his takes on #Auburn troubles, #Vols rise and #Texas stature atop SEC: https://t.co/O2ULfvQe2y
— MikeGriffith32 (@MikeGriffith32) September 24, 2024
While Finebaum is leaning in favor of Alabama, Georgia remains a slight road favorite for Week 5. The Bulldogs are -2 per bet365, and fans can take advantage of the latest odds and offers with SDS’s apps to bet on sports.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
