It just doesn’t look quite right, does it? Georgia, once the titan of college football, is now ranked No. 12 in the latest College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings. The Bulldogs find themselves as the first team out of the 12-team playoff bracket after suffering a disappointing 28-10 loss to No. 11 Ole Miss. This defeat not only knocked Georgia out of contention but also elevated the Rebels into the playoff picture.
The truth is, this ranking reflects the current state of the program. The committee made the right call, at least for now. Georgia, boasting an impressive 42-2 record with two national championships from 2021 to 2023, simply does not resemble the powerhouse team that dominated college football in recent years. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is currently a tangled web of two-loss teams, making it challenging to decipher potential tie-breakers as the season progresses. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they have failed to distinguish themselves from this competitive pack.
Georgia’s Current Challenges
The next three weeks will serve as a critical test for Georgia under head coach Kirby Smart. The program has faced various high-profile incidents, from off-the-field arrests to players celebrating with rival fan bases. On the field, the statistics tell a concerning story: Georgia ranks 48th in scoring offense with an average of 30.6 points per game and 16th in scoring defense, allowing 18.4 points per game. For comparison, last season, Georgia was fifth in both scoring offense (40.1 ppg) and scoring defense (15.6 ppg). Given these performances, it’s hard to argue against their current ranking, especially since the last two teams in the playoff—No. 10 Alabama and No. 11 Ole Miss—defeated them directly.
Yet, there’s still hope for the Bulldogs. Their recent 30-15 victory against No. 3 Texas on October 19 serves as a reminder of their potential when they play at their best. But how many more chances does Smart have to prove his team’s worth? Georgia is favored against No. 7 Tennessee this week, and a victory could very well catapult them back into playoff contention. But the question remains: which SEC team would be pushed out to make room for them? Most likely, it would be the Volunteers.
CFP Rankings bubble teams last two in for Week 12
As we look closely at the playoff landscape, it’s essential to examine the teams currently on the bubble.
No. 10 Alabama (7-2)
Alabama has solidified its position as the highest-ranked two-loss team, regardless of the outcomes across the FBS. The Crimson Tide showcased their strength with a commanding 42-13 victory against LSU, ensuring they remain one of the last two teams in the playoff field.
No. 11 Ole Miss (8-2)
The Rebels have emerged as a formidable contender, complicating matters for teams hoping to sneak into the playoff. Ole Miss is one of only three teams that rank in the top 10 for both scoring offense and scoring defense, alongside No. 3 Texas and No. 5 Indiana. With two challenging games ahead against Florida and Mississippi State, the Rebels are poised to create chaos in the playoff race.
Georgia’s Path to Redemption
Despite the setbacks, Georgia still has a viable path to reclaim its spot in the playoff. As the highest-ranked SEC team currently outside the field, a head-to-head victory against Tennessee in their final SEC game would significantly boost their chances. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Smart and his squad to deliver.
No. 14 SMU (8-1)
In the American Athletic Conference, SMU stands out as the only team without a conference loss. However, the committee seems to favor Miami slightly more. Fortunately for the Mustangs, they have two of their last three games at home, and the opportunity for an ACC championship game is within reach. Still, the conference appears to be a one-bid league, especially with five SEC teams ranked ahead of them.
No. 15 Texas A&M (7-2)
Texas A&M finds itself in a peculiar position, treated like an SEC afterthought despite only having one conference loss. Among SEC teams with two losses or fewer, the Aggies are the only ones with a loss by 20 points or more. Their recent performance, including a 41-10 blowout victory against No. 23 Missouri, highlights their potential.
No. 16 Kansas State (7-2)
Kansas State has made its case with a 34-31 victory against No. 17 Colorado on October 12. The committee has consistently recognized this win, and the Wildcats need the Buffaloes to falter once more in Big 12 play to keep their championship hopes alive.
CFP Rankings vs. AP Top 25
As we head into Week 12, it’s interesting to compare the initial College Football Playoff rankings with the AP Top 25. Here’s a snapshot of how they align:
| RANK | CFP RANKINGS | AP TOP 25 |
| 1 | Oregon (10-0) | Oregon (10-0) |
| 2 | Ohio State (8-1) | Ohio State (8-1) |
| 3 | Texas (8-1) | Texas (8-1) |
| 4 | Penn State (8-1) | Penn State (8-1) |
| 5 | Indiana (10-0) | Indiana (10-0) |
| 6 | BYU (9-0) | Tennessee (8-1) |
| 7 | Tennessee (8-1) | BYU (9-0) |
| 8 | Notre Dame (8-1) | Notre Dame (8-1) |
| 9 | Miami, Fla. (9-1) | Alabama (7-2) |
| 10 | Alabama (7-2) | Ole Miss (8-2) |
| 11 | Ole Miss (8-2) | Georgia (7-2) |
| 12 | Georgia (7-2) | Miami, Fla. (9-1) |
| 13 | Boise State (8-1) | Boise State (8-1) |
| 14 | SMU (8-1) | SMU (8-1) |
| 15 | Texas A&M (7-2) | Texas A&M (7-2) |
| 16 | Kansas State (7-2) | Army (9-0) |
| 17 | Colorado (7-2) | Clemson (7-2) |
| 18 | Washington State (8-1) | Colorado (7-2) |
| 19 | Louisville (6-3) | Washington State (8-1) |
| 20 | Clemson (7-2) | Kansas State (7-2) |
| 21 | South Carolina (6-3) | LSU (6-3) |
| 22 | LSU (6-3) | Louisville (6-3) |
| 23 | Missouri (7-2) | South Carolina (6-3) |
| 24 | Army (9-0) | Missouri (7-1) |
| 25 | Tulane (8-2) | Tulane (8-2) |
As the season unfolds, the stakes continue to rise. With every game, the playoff picture becomes clearer, and teams like Georgia must step up to reclaim their place among the elite. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
