A potential hurricane could disrupt or even postpone Saturday's game between No. 2 Georgia and No. 6 Alabama, with heavy rain and extreme winds in the forecast for the SEC clash scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
The latest Georgia vs. Alabama weather report calls for gusts above 30 mph around kickoff at Saban Field, which could create the type of conditions that force this rivalry matchup to kick off late Saturday night or even get postponed. Here's what we know about the storm, which the SEC says it's monitoring as it develops in the Gulf.
Georgia vs Alabama weather forecast
Tropical Depression Nine formed Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, and the National Hurricane Center forecasts it to become a hurricane by Thursday before approaching the northern Gulf Coast on Friday into early Saturday.
The National Weather Service hourly forecast near the stadium has temperatures in the low 70s around the 7:30 p.m. kickoff, falling to 67 by 11 p.m near the likely end of the game. The winds are expected to reach 21 mph with gusts to 32 mph around kickoff, dropping to 17 mph with gusts to 28 mph by the fourth quarter. The forecast calls for a 65-72% chance of rain during gametime hours with thunderstorms possible throughout.
Heavy rain and flash flooding are the biggest concerns for Central Alabama, according to NWS Birmingham. Strong winds could also bring down trees and knock out power. The forecast expects the worst conditions Saturday night, though a slower storm could push the worst weather into Sunday. Tornadoes are also possible in the area if winds pick up further.
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Will Georgia vs Alabama be postponed?
Saturday's matchup between SEC rivals Georgia and Alabama has not yet been postponed. The SEC said Tuesday it is "keeping an eye on forecasts and staying in communication with schools with games that could be impacted by weather," according to On3.
ABC 33/40 chief meteorologist James Spann told AL.com's Michael Casagrande that moving the game was "clearly on the table" but recommended waiting another 24 hours before what he called a nightmare scenario for all parties. The SEC has not announced a decision timetable on whether the game could be delayed or postponed.
How weather could impact Georgia vs Alabama
Assuming this game kicks off Saturday, both of these teams could be forced to rely on their ground game — especially with their quarterbacks — to survive the elements.
Keelon Russell threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns last week against Mississippi State, but it was his 17-yard touchdown run that made the rounds on social media and helped propel him up the latest Heisman odds. Wind around 20 mph would make it harder for Russell to force throws downfield, and Georgia is allowing just 57.4 rushing yards per game, so the Crimson Tide may need Russell to flash that rushing ability again if the weather turns ugly.
Georgia can also lean on Gunner Stockton's legs if the wind limits these teams' passing games after he ran for 97 yards at Arkansas a few weeks back. The Bulldogs also average 213 yards per game on the ground, though Stockton was the driving force last week with 295 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
The wind could also make life difficult for both kickers in a game that could be decided by a late attempt. Ball security is also a common issue in games with slippery conditions like what we can expect if this game does indeed kick off Saturday as scheduled.
Georgia vs Alabama prediction markets
Alabama is a 1.5-point favorite to beat Georgia with a total of 54.5 according to the latest Kalshi market prices, which also give the Tide roughly a 51% chance to win.
Phil Naessens backs Georgia +1.5 and Under 55.5 in his Georgia vs Alabama early prediction, trusting Stockton's experience in spots like this in a matchup featuring two strong run defenses.
I'd be inclined to back the Under too if the market doesn't adjust further to the latest weather forecast, though the total is on the move as kickoff nears. If you want to fade these offenses for weather reasons, I would be quick to grab this number before it takes a dive into the 40s should this game kick off in a tropical storm.
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How to watch Georgia vs Alabama
| Location | Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 10 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT |
| TV | ABC |
