The stage is set for what may be an epic Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

Nick Saban and Kirby Smart face off for a sixth time and third for an SEC Championship.

RELATED: Alabama to play Georgia in SEC Championship

Smart emerged victorious in his most recent matchup against Saban, earning a 33-18 victory in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship matchup to finish the 2021 season. Georgia carries a balanced team that averages 40.6 points and allows 15.6 points per game. The Bulldogs are undefeated (10-0) and ranked No. 2 in the nation. Georgia is one of the top four seeds in the CFP rankings, and Smart is looking for his program to three-peat as national champions. The Bulldogs had close calls versus Auburn (27-20) and Missouri (30-21), but does the Crimson Tide match up the best with it? We will see in a few weeks in Atlanta.

Alabama was not on Georgia's level at the beginning of the season, but Tommy Rees and Kevin Steele have grown with Coach Saban. The offense has found its rhythm, and Alabama's defense stifles opponents in the second half of games. The Tide has arrived at a point where it matches up the best with Georgia. Jalen Milroe gives more athleticism at quarterback than Carson Beck, both teams have good running backs, both have developed go-to options at receiver, and both have talented defenses.

Saban is 4-1 all-time against Smart, but he is pursuing his seventh national championship at Alabama. 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be insane on Dec. 2 for the SEC title game. Saban's group needed time to grow; however, it has arrived where it matches with Georgia for an SEC Championship contest.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.