Alabama vs. Georgia will be a crucial game for Kalen DeBoer and Kirby Smart, but for different reasons. Georgia's playoff path becomes anything but secure if the Bulldogs lose to Alabama. The Year 1 goal for Kalen DeBoer is a playoff berth. Losing to Georgia won't wreck that.

Kirby Smart is 1-5 all-time against the Crimson Tide. "Good to be playing at home; we need our crowd, our fans, to bring the energy," DeBoer said. Kickoff between Alabama and Georgia from Bryant-Denny Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m.