DAWG BONES OFFENSE – ALABAMA

This category is close and recency bias makes it even tougher with the way Alabama’s offense struggled against Auburn’s defense. However, the Tide still have a top 10 offense nationally and are the fifth best scoring team in college football, averaging over 42 points per game. Bryce Young is the likely Heisman Trophy favorite with 40 touchdowns this season. For Georgia, the key will be to be as balanced on offense as possible. Let the run game open up opportunities for Stetson Bennett to air it out downfield.

DAWG BONES DEFENSE – GEORGIA

Georgia has the best defense in the country, only allowing seven offensive touchdowns during the whole regular season. They are also the only team in college football that gives up under four yards per play. Alabama certainly has playmakers on its defense like Jordan Battle, Will Anderson and Henry To’oTo’o, but they have not played with the togetherness that Georgia’s defense has shown this year. It all starts with Georgia’s defensive line and the amount of pressure that they bring.

DAWG BONES SPECIAL TEAMS – GEORGIA

For as good as Alabama has been in the Nick Saban-era, the kicking game has almost always been lackluster. However, Will Reichard is 14-of-18 on field goal attempts this year. That’s on par with Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny, who has made 17 of his 21 attempts. Georgia has the bigger advantage in the punting game though. This is the kind of game where Jake Camarda can be used as a weapon and can pin Alabama in uncomfortable spots if Georgia’s offense stalls.

DAWG BONES COACHING – ALABAMA

As badly as Kirby Smart probably deserves this category based on the season, think of this category like a championship boxing fight – you have to beat the champion to get the belt. Smart has come very close to beating his former colleague twice, but in-game adjustments led Alabama to two comeback victories over Georgia. This is probably the best team that Kirby Smart has had in his six years in Athens, so if there is a time to beat Saban, it is this year. Again, look for the Bill O’Brien vs. Dan Lanning matchup as well. If Lanning can shut down or even limit Alabama’s offense, Georgia has to feel good about its chances.

DAWG BONES OVERALL – GEORGIA

Both teams have NFL-caliber talent all over the field. However, it has been Georgia’s collectiveness and focus that has led them to a 12-0 record and the No.1 ranking in the country. If the Bulldogs do what has gotten them to this point, they should win this game. They also need to be the more physical and disciplined team. If Georgia can run the ball on Alabama and get pressure on Bryce Young, this should be the year that Kirby Smart gets a win over Nick Saban.