As of publication, despite the fact that there is a hurricane bearing down on the Gulf Coast of Alabama in the next 24 hours, all signs point to this marquee matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs going off without a hitch.

The university has told the public the last two nights that the game is still scheduled for its 6:30 pm CT local kickoff, despite the state of emergency placed over the Capstone. So because of that, we at A to Z Sports are going to roll with our final score predictions as planned. I, Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Alabama, and five of my colleagues have picked winners for Saturday night’s matchup. Let’s dive in.

Alabama vs. Georgia Final Score Predictions

Alabama 31, Georgia 28

While I did attain my master’s degree from the University of Alabama, that degree was not in meteorology, though after this week, I feel ready for an end-of-course exam on weather. The wind and conditions will be a factor that you cannot ignore. If the latest forecast is true, and the weather has cleared Tuscaloosa by the time kickoff occurs, I believe that favors the pace and tempo of the Crimson Tide offense.

But if it’s a muddy, slop-filled brawl, that would go in favor of the Bulldogs, even with Alabama’s rebuilt trenches. Georgia wins this game by heating up Keelon Russell and controlling the clock on offense. The loss of RB Chauncey Bowens could loom large for UGA in that case, however. I expect the Tide to have enough answers for the biggest test to date, so give me Alabama in a nail-biter.

Georgia 32, Alabama 27

This is the game most people will be watching, and for good reason. I think this one is much more evenly matched than the last time we saw them play each other. However, I think the result stays the same: Georgia wins. Their offense is pretty versatile. They run the ball well with multiple backs. They also have an amazing tight end room and some good wide receivers. And, Stockton is playing efficient football. That, paired with their defense, is just better, I think, on both sides of the ball than Alabama. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Alabama 31, Georgia 27

I’ve got back and forth on this one for a while, but my mind keeps coming back to one thing, and that’s just how prolific Alabama QB Keelon Russell has been lately. He’s racked up 1598 total yards and 15 total touchdowns to two interceptions. He outdueled Kamario Taylor last week in a major way, totaling 285 passing yards with three touchdowns in a 56-23 Crimson Tide route over Mississippi State.

Georgia is clearly no slouch itself, as the Bulldogs have one of the best defenses in the country and have been as dominant as any team in the nation through five weeks. But against an offensively-anemic Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt, it’s tough to really tell what they’re made of.

Weather could be a factor on Saturday night, but it’s Russell’s ability to make plays from nothing that proves to be the difference. Alabama’s defense, which forced four turnovers against Mississippi State and three against Kentucky, comes up with a game-swinging takeaway to help the Crimson Tide stake their claim to No. 1 midway through the season. – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Miami Hurricanes

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Alabama 24, Georgia 21

This is one of the more interesting matchups every single year. Both teams have been at the top of the country and SEC for the last 20 years, and this year is no exception.

When I look at this game, it’s a relatively balanced matchup and the quarterbacks will be the one to decide it. While Gunner Stockton has been a pleasant surprise, Keelon Russell looks like the real deal. He was dealing against Mississippi State, and showcased everything you want to see from a talent perspective from, dare I say it, a future first overall pick. The Crimson Tide get a close win at home. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Georgia 27, Alabama 21

This should be a hard-fought game from start to finish, with Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell making several big-time plays to keep the Crimson Tide in position. Russell’s ability to create explosive plays through the air and with his legs will give Georgia problems, but the Bulldogs do enough defensively to limit the damage. Alabama stays within striking distance throughout, setting up a tense finish in the fourth quarter.

On the other side, Gunner Stockton plays a clean, mistake-free game and gives Georgia exactly what it needs at quarterback. The Bulldogs also find consistent success on the ground behind Nate Frazier, allowing them to control stretches of the game and keep Alabama’s offense on the sideline. Eventually, Russell makes one crucial mistake at the worst possible moment, giving Georgia the opening it needs to pull away and escape with a 27-21 victory. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Georgia 30, Alabama 26

We’ve got two high-scoring offenses battling at the top of the SEC, and I think this is a game that could go either way in Tuscaloosa. Georgia is the better running team, and I think how well Alabama can defend against it is going to be a major factor in who wins this one. Georgia hasn’t really been tested yet, and this one is going to be a great barometer for who they are this season.

Can Gunner Stockton continue to impress against tougher competition? Can Keelon Russell continue to look ahead of schedule against the Bulldogs? Those are two big questions I’m going to watch play out. In the end, I’ll take Georgia winning a close one thanks to a late stop to seal it. I’m not sure this is the last time these two teams play this season, either. – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State Buckeyes