The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs are nearly equal in key components. Using Brian Fremeau's FEI ratings, Georgia is No. 7 among all FBS teams in opponent-adjusted Offensive Efficiency. Alabama is No. 10 nationally for the same stat. In opponent-adjusted Defensive Efficiency, the Crimson Tide is No. 10, and the Bulldogs are No. 20.
In Joel Klatt's prediction of a 27-17 Georgia win, he cited two reasons: Ty Simpson "is no longer a world-beater" and (Alabama) "is a one-dimensional team." Alabama football fans hate Klatt's assessment, but he is correct that the Crimson Tide is forced to be one-dimensional on offense due to limited success running the ball.