By Emilee White Editorial Director
Updated 8/18/23 2:46pm ET
Top-ranked Georgia has seemingly replaced Alabama as college football’s gold standard, and now Kirby Smart seeks an accomplishment that his mentor and former boss, Nick Saban, could never achieve.
The Bulldogs are consensus +225 national championship favorites to become the sport’s first school to win three straight titles in the A.P. poll era, which dates back to 1936. Bama (+600) is the second-favorite, as the Tide hope to restore SEC order.
These two powerhouses will not face off in the regular season but could see on another in the postseason, which happened twice in the 2021 campaign and decided the national championship.
Georgia (-115 conference odds)
The Bulldogs just received the top preseason ranking for the second time in school history, landing 60 of 63 first-place votes. As usual, they sent a CVS list of names to the NFL but their customary elite recruiting has them reloading in Athens.
Carson Beck left spring training as the likely replacement of Stetson Bennett but Brock Vandagriff is still challenging for the gig. Tight end Brock Bowers might be the nation’s most skilled non-QB. Additionally, most of the starters from last year’s dominant defense are returning.
The Dawgs should once again flirt with an undefeated regular season. Their win total is 11.5 (of a maximum of 12) with the under slightly favored.
Alabama (+300 conference odds)
Alabama last hoisted the crystal ball in 2020, which is an eternity by the lofty standards established by Saban. Can the 71-year-old restore order in Tuscaloosa?
That process begins with replacing two-year starter and Heisman Trophy winner, Bryce Young, who was drafted with the top overall pick. Tyler Buchner, Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson are all competing for the QB1 distinction.
The Tide posted a 10-2 record in the regular season last year and enter this campaign with a win total of 10.5. In the Nick Saban era, which began in 2007, Bama has not endured more than one regular-season loss in consecutive seasons.
Remaining Top 10 To Win The National Championship:
Ohio State: +700
Michigan: +800
LSU: +1100
USC: +1500
Clemson: +1800
Florida State: +2000
Penn State: +2200
Texas: +2200
*Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Photo credit: Shutterstock
