In rather shocking news, Nick Saban has cleared COVID-19 protocols and will be on the sideline for the Tide. Wow. His potential absence had moved the line down a bit but now it's rising. Think the Tide will use that as a rallying cry? Also: Mac Jones > Stetson Bennett. Bama by at least a TD.

Missed the best lines (-4, -5) on this game following Nick Saban's positive COVID-19 test, but I'm still getting it under the key number as it looks like Saban is progressing toward actually coaching in this game. No matter, I'd have chosen Alabama either way and up to a full touchdown. Georgia's defense has appeared other-worldly at the start of the season, but it's worth putting in perspective that it dominated Arkansas and a stuck-in-the-mud Auburn and let Tennessee score 21 first-half points before shutting out the Vols in the second half. Alabama's offensive weapons are unstoppable for four quarters. Yes, the Crimson Tide's defense was torn through by Ole Miss last week, but that was an aberration -- and despite Georgia's ability, it does not have the offensive playmaking might (or quarterback talent) of Ole Miss. Back Bama.

Nick Saban has received two consecutive negative COVID-19 tests, meaning he's on track to be on the sidelines for tonight's game. Without Saban I make Alabama -5.6 points better, with Saban that number jumps to -7.2 favorite. I have a minor edge if Saban doesn't end up on the sidelines, and a very nice edge if he does. Lay it.

There was already pretty decent value on this number, but even more so now with the news that Nick Saban could rejoin Alabama for the game should he have two more negative Covid tests. This adjusted number basically provides at least two free points.

This will be a huge test for Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV, as Alabama does a great job of forcing you to be consistently accurate, because they are able to condense things across the field. Even though coach Nick Saban will not be on the sidelines for this game, his team will be in good hands with Steve Sarkisian, the offensive coordinator who is stepping into his place. Look for Georgia's cornerbacks to get tested throughout the game by Alabama's speedy receivers.

So how many points is Nick Saban worth? I was already on Alabama before the Saban news broke and it was a 6-point favorite, now that the line has shrunk, I'm not backing off. Georgia's defense is phenomenal, but if there's been a lesson in college football the last few years it's that offense wins out over defense. I don't think Georgia and Stetson Bennett can do enough offensively to keep up with Alabama even if the Tide offense is slowed down a little.

Take Alabama and lay the points even presumably without Coach Nick Saban (COVID-19). The Crimson Tide will walk in knowing that they can beat Georgia. The Bulldogs will walk in hoping that they can beat Alabama. I don't care how good Georgia's defense is, Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, his wide receivers and running back Najee Harris are good enough to put 30 points up on the board. Is Georgia's offense willing and able to play that style of football? Nah.