This Saturday, the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will host the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a top-five conference clash for the ages. Georgia is currently a two-point favorite over the Crimson Tide in Saturday's game, according to Sportsbook. This will be the first time the Crimson Tide have not been home underdogs since 2007, Nick Saban's first season as coach, when Alabama faced LSU at home.

College football fans will get an early taste of the playoffs, as both of these teams are in excellent position to qualify for the new CFB 12-team playoffs. With two exceptionally talented teams scheduled to play this weekend, let's take a look at how they stack up.

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Comparing Both Offenses by the Numbers

The offense is a critical component of a football team; without it, your team becomes weakened and unable to score, resulting in a tired defense and a lot of losses.

 

With the offense ranked fifth in the SEC and 24th in the nation in terms of total offensive yards through week five, Alabama appears to be the favorite in this category.

 

With only three games played, the Crimson Tide is now ranked 19th in the country in terms of rushing yards, with 714 total yards.

 

Alabama is averaging 5.80 yards per carry while averaging 238.0 rushing yards per game and 13 touchdowns on the ground in three games.

 

The Crimson Tide's passing offense, which ranks 69th in the nation and 10th in the SEC according to NCAA.com has only recorded 686 total yards through the air while averaging 228.7 passing yards per game.

 

Compared to the Bulldogs, who are ranked 48th in the country and 9th in the SEC. Georgia has passed for 770 total yards in three games. The Bulldogs also average 256.7 passing yards per game.

 

According to NCAA.com, the Georgia offense is 65th in the US and 10th in the SEC in total offensive yards; the passing game is the only area of strength for the Bulldogs, who have only amassed 1,207 yards this season at a rate of 6.9 yards per play.

 

With the Bulldogs' total rushing offense ranking 84th in the nation and 14th in the SEC, Georgia's rushing offense is their biggest weakness on the offensive side of the ball. According to NCAA.com, Georgia has only gained 431 yards on the ground in three games, only four touchdowns running the ball, and an average of 145.7 yards per game on the ground.

 

The Crimson Tide's offense ranks 14th in the nation and 4th in the SEC in third-down conversion percentage with the tide going 21-40 (.525).

 

Georgia ranks 74th in the nation and 11th in the SEC in 3rd down conversion percentage with the Bulldogs going 13-33 (.394)

 

Comparing Both Defenses by the Numbers

Championships are won by defense, and it appears that both of these storied programs have demonstrated this principle by fielding some of the best defenses in recent memory and capturing titles with them.

 

Georgia is the favorite in this area, with its Total Defense ranked fourth in the nation and second in the SEC, according to NCAA.com, with the Bulldogs surrendering only 606 yards across three games while not allowing a touchdown. Georgia's defense is allowing only 3.5 yards per play.

 

The Bulldogs lead the nation in passing defense, allowing only 274 total passing yards on 37 completions with an average completion of 7.41 yards and 91 passing yards per game.

 

Georgia's rushing defense is not as strong as its pass defense, ranking 42nd in the country and 8th in the SEC, according to NCAA.com, with the Bulldogs surrendering 332 rushing yards and 3.07 yards per rushing attempt.

 

Alabama's defense is lacking in this statistic, with the Crimson Tide's rushing defense ranking 68th in the country and 14th in the SEC, allowing 397 total yards on the ground and 3.48 yards per running attempt. Kane Wommack's team has also allowed 132.3 running yards per game, with only one rushing score.

 

Alabama's defense isn't weak, with the Crimson Tide ranked 13th in the nation and 7th in the SEC. In total defense, the Crimson Tide only allows 744 yards on 221 plays, with the Tide allowing only 3.37 yards per play and only giving up two touchdowns through three games, while allowing 248.0 yards per contest.

 

The Crimson Tide's passing defense rivals Georgia's. According to NCAA.com, Alabama's pass defense ranks seventh in the nation and second in the SEC, with the Tide surrendering only 347 passing yards and one passing touchdown in three games. Additionally, this team has only allowed 115.7 yards per game.

 

Extra Statistics

Georgia currently ranks 76th in the nation for fewest penalties, with the Bulldogs allowing 25 penalties for 240 yards in three games.

 

Alabama is currently listed 68th in the nation for fewest penalties, having given up 24 penalties for 195 yards in the Crimson Tide's first three games of the season.

 

According to NCAA.com, the Crimson Tide leads the country in kickoff returns, having only returned one kickoff for a 53-yard gain.

 

Georgia is not on this list since they have yet to return a kickoff.

 

The Bulldogs are tied for 23rd in the nation and 2nd in the SEC when it comes to the turnover margin with a margin of three.

 

Alabama is currently tied for 72nd in the country and 11th in the SEC in Turnover Margin, with a margin of 0.

 

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Gallery Credit: Simon Besnoy | NHS Yearbook

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