OFFENSE

Advantage: Alabama

Photo: Calvin Ridley

Alabama scores slightly more and averages almost 10 more yards per game. Both teams are run-heavy, with Alabama relying on its backs and Jalen Hurts while Georgia depends on Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. UA’s Calvin Ridley is the X-factor in the passing game.

DEFENSE

Advantage: Alabama

Photo: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Alabama gives up just 11.1 points per game and is ranked first nationally in scoring, rushing and total defense. The Bulldogs rank in the top 10 in every category but run defense. Georgia’s Roquan Smith is a monster at linebacker and UA’s Minkah Fitzpatrick menaces opposing offenses.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Advantage: Georgia

Photo: Rodrigo Blankenship

Georgia ranks in the top 10 nationally in field goal percentage, punting average and kickoff returns. Placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship is money. Alabama doesn’t crack the top 40 in any special teams category. The Crimson Tide needs to avoid major negatives in the kicking game.

COACHING

Advantage: Alabama

Photo: Nick Saban

Georgia’s Kirby Smart learned under Alabama’s Nick Saban, and UA’s head coach has never had a better understudy. The programs are mirror images, but Saban is the master and Smart was the pupil. The Crimson Tide’s coach has the edge in this important category.

INTANGIBLES

Advantage: Georgia

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

This isn’t exactly a home game for Georgia, but fans of the Bulldogs will have a short drive and they have probably scooped up a ton of corporate tickets. Alabama has been on the big stage more often, but Georgia won’t be daunted and will feel at home in Atlanta.

PREDICTION

Alabama 24, Georgia 14

This will be a defensive battle, with both offenses trying to grind out yards and looking for wrinkles to spring a big play. Alabama is a little more versatile offensively, and has a defense built to stop run-first teams like these Georgia Bulldogs. It’s Alabama’s kind of game.