College Football Picks: SEC predictions against the spread for Week 5
Sep 19, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) reacts with offensive tackle John Theus (71) after a Georgia touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated South Carolina 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday October 3, 2015
- Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
- Location: Athens, GA
- TV Channel: CBS
- Spread: Georgia -2
- Over/Under Total: 54.5
The Georgia-Alabama football rivalry has become a rare treat since the expansion of the SEC in 1992, which divided the conference into two divisions, and was made rarer when the league expanded to 14 teams prior to the 2012 season. But, by the luck of the draw, we’ll get to see the two SEC heavyweights square off in Athens Saturday afternoon.
No. 8 Georgia is a slight favorite over No. 14 Alabama, in part because the Crimson Tide have already proven themselves to be susceptible in a 43-37 SEC opening loss to Ole Miss, but also because this set of Bulldogs is arguably the best and most talented team the program has put on the field since the 2005 SEC Championship squad. If it holds through kickoff, Alabama’s streak of 72 consecutive games as a favorite will come to an end.
The Dawgs are absolutely loaded at the running back position with Heisman Trophy candidate Nick Chubb, who ranks among the nation’s top five in rushing with 599 yards and six touchdowns, as well as backup Sony Michel, who has used his Reggie Bush-like skill set to rank second on the team in both rushing (223 yards, 4 TD) and receiving (148 yards, 3 TD). Quarterback Greyson Lambert has been better than expected (733 yards, 8 TD, 0 INT), and Malcolm Mitchell (306 receiving yards, 3 TD) is finally fully healthy and playing like an All-SEC receiver.
Plus, the Georgia defense continues to improve under second-year defensive coordinator (and former Alabama assistant) Jeremy Pruitt.
Because of the loss to Ole Miss, Alabama has their backs against the wall already. That should mean the Crimson Tide is at their very best Saturday in Athens. The stingy Alabama rush defense, which ranks among the nation’s best with 56.8 rushing yards allowed per game, will be a worthy opponent for the powerful Georgia rushing attack, as will the talented Crimson Tide secondary. However, Alabama will need big plays on offense, most likely in the passing game, and Georgia ranks third in the SEC in total defense (273 yards per game), and second in pass defense (166 passing yards per game).
Because the game will be played between the hedges, take the Dawgs by a field goal.
Next: San Jose State at Auburn