Finebaum: Alabama-Georgia victor can breathe easier about CFP

Paul Finebaum said the winner of Alabama-Georgia can feel much better about reaching the College Football Playoff, while the loser should not be in serious danger. He views the matchup as one of the year's biggest and believes it carries slightly more pressure for Alabama because it is a home game before a road trip to Tennessee. Finebaum also said a Georgia win would leave the Bulldogs in a strong position given their upcoming schedule.

Expanded:

Finebaum sees Saturday's clash as one of the season's defining matchups, comparable to Ohio State-Texas and more consequential than LSU-Ole Miss. The victor, he argues, can plan for a late-December/January postseason, while the defeated team likely remains safe because of its strong profile. He gives Alabama slightly more urgency: a home loss stings, and a trip to Tennessee follows. Georgia, meanwhile, would be well positioned with Florida and Ole Miss ahead.

The game is No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC in Week 6. Alabama enters after routing Mississippi State under Kalen DeBoer, with freshman QB Keelon Russell and a dominant defense. Georgia, coached by Kirby Smart, has quietly reached No. 2. Finebaum notes Alabama's later slate includes Tennessee, Texas A&M, a bye and LSU; Georgia's includes Florida and Ole Miss.

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