The right to play for a national championship goes to the winner of the 2012 SEC Championship Game today as the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide take on the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on CBS. Currently the odds for the game have Alabama favored by 8 points.

Alabama and Georgia face off in today's SEC Championship Game for a chance to play No. 1 Notre Dame in the BCS title game in January. Both teams enter today's game with just a single loss on the season and both have to feel pretty good about getting another shot to play for the whole thing. When the Crimson Tide lost to Texas A&M a few weeks ago, many thought that Alabama would be on the outside looking in at the BCS picture. Likewise with Georgia, the Bulldogs were embarrassed by South Carolina early in the year. Now none of that means anything — win and you're in.

We'd certainly have to give a coaching edge to Nick Saban in this game. No offense to Mark Richt at all, but Saban has won three national championships during his years as head coach of the Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers. It's a factor and coaches don't play, but rest assured it will be talked about during the game by commentators.

One thing that might have a weighing interest to some is where the game is being played — The Georgia Dome in Atlanta. How much of a home crowd will the Bulldogs have in this game? It's no secret that Alabama travels extremely well, but with this game being in Georgia's backyard, there should be a huge contingency of Bulldog faithful. We expect them to have a positive impact for Richt's team.

We're very surprised that Georgia QB Aaron Murray isn't getting more hype for the Heisman Trophy. I mean honestly, what else does he have to do? He's thrown for more than 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. Oh yeah, he's No. 1 in the country in passing efficiency this year as well. Plus his team is playing in the SEC title game. He isn't the sexiest player out there in regards to his style of play, but he's damn good. On the other side, Alabama's AJ McCarron has been solid in his career for the Crimson Tide. He's tossed only two interceptions this season compared to 25 touchdown passes. Yet, many will indicate that Murray tends to play not so great against the best teams when Georgia takes the field. They knocked off Florida earlier this season, but Murray did not play well — throwing three picks and completing only 12 passes. McCarron on the other hand is 22-2 as starter of the Alabama team. One major injury for McCarron's team comes with Kenny Bell, who won't play because of a broken leg.

Defense will be HUGE in this one. Alabama sports arguably the best in the country, but Georgia isn't far behind. The Crimson Tide have only given up 23 red zone appearances to opponents this season and give up only 9.3 points per game — best in the country. They also rank second against the run and third nationally against the pass.

Georgia has won six straight games since losing to South Carolina and have given up only 7.5 points per game in their last four, allowing 10 points to Ole Miss and Georgia Tech, shutting out Auburn and allowing two TDs to Georgia Southern. Each one of those teams sports horrid defenses, though.

Alabama can make it into the national title game again, and we think they will. But don't expect a blowout in this one. Both teams have earned their second chance and even with Saban's advantage in coaching, we think Georgia hangs around in this game. We like the way Murray is playing and he'll be the best Alabama has seen all season.

Free Pick: Alabama 24, Georgia 20

College Football Free Picks: Alabama vs Georgia Betting

What college football bettors need to know about Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday (12/01/12) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Bryan Leonard, with Marco D'Angelo and host Scott Spreitzer.

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