Each game is its own unique story, and the 2026 Alabama-Georgia game is arriving with one whale of a prelude. Hurricane Isaias has taken the position of center of attention in the week leading up to this game, as it wasn't a certainty for most of the week that this game would even be played Saturday night as scheduled. As it is, kickoff survived the storm warnings, but things like tailgating and an outdoor setup for ESPN College Gameday did not. The secondary market for tickets plummeted, and fans understandably are more worried about their homes than the betting line. For better or worse, none of this will be remembered at the end of the season, when only this game's score will matter to the College Football Playoff committee and the college football media. Alabama needs to take care of business Saturday, whether that business is played under the threat of inclement weather or not.

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is one of the most dynamic playmakers at the position, but he can't do everything by himself. Fortunately for Sellers, he'll at least have a quality wide receiver and tight end group to throw to once the season starts. Kendal Briles, USC's new offensive coordinator, should help the Gamecocks become more inventive and less predictable. WR Nyck Harbor, who measures at 6'5” and 245 pounds and runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, could wind up being a guy no one has an answer for.

Austin Mack got an unexpected trial under fire in the season-ending loss to Indiana in the playoffs following Ty Simpson's injury at the end of the first half. Mack acquitted himself well, especially given the complete dearth of a running game to help him out, while also buried under a big Indiana lead. The best thing that could be said about him during that time was that he didn't appear to mentally break down given the gravity of the moment, and he made a handful of ace throws at the same time. Mack continued to put up good work in the spring, although he was outplayed by Keelon Russell at A-Day and doesn't enter camp with any kind of built-in lead for the position. If Mack isn't named the starter in the fall, he'll probably play out the season as Russell's backup and then transfer next winter. He's got surprising athleticism for his build, but his calling card is the cannon attached to his right shoulder. If he can fine-tune his shots, especially on midrange throws, Alabama could certainly win with him.