Across college football, the debates about CFP merits are red hot. Whether it’s Alabama, Georgia, BYU, or SMU, fans and media personnel are passionate about the merits and weaknesses of their teams. Another flare-up of that battle came in-house at FOX, as Urban Meyer detailed some of Georgia’s flaws while debating the CFP rankings during an episode of “The Triple Option” podcast on Wednesday.
Urban Meyer speaks out for SMU over Georgia
Meyer’s comments came after the podcast’s host revealed that 53% of viewers had voted in a poll favoring a 3-loss SEC team over a 2-loss ACC team in the College Football Playoff. This discussion gained traction following Georgia’s brutal 28-10 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday. Despite the Bulldogs’ storied history, many fans still favor them over teams like SMU, raising eyebrows and questions about the current state of the program.
The case for Georgia
Georgia currently sits just outside the final playoff spot, and their case is compelling. They have played what many consider the most challenging schedule in the nation. Five of the top 17 teams in the nation are on UGA’s regular season schedule, with the fifth looming as they prepare to battle Tennessee on November 16.
The Bulldogs showcased their resilience by battling back from a significant deficit to briefly take the lead against Alabama. However, their struggles were evident in the loss to Ole Miss. Georgia is the only team in the nation to have beaten No. 3 Texas (30-15) and opened the season with a dominant victory over No. 17 Clemson (34-3). But can they maintain this level of performance as the season progresses?
The case for SMU
On the other hand, SMU is ranked 14th in the CFP rankings, just behind Georgia. The Mustangs, with an impressive 8-1 record, are in the thick of the ACC title game hunt alongside Miami. However, the biggest knock against SMU is their mixed performance against ranked teams this season. They fell 18-15 to BYU in a field-goal kicking battle in Week 3 but managed to best No. 22 Louisville in early October.
This limited resume raises questions about their overall strength. While Georgia faces five teams in the top 17, SMU has only one such game on their schedule, and they lost that matchup. How much weight should be given to these performances when considering playoff implications?
The reality
Ultimately, Georgia’s CFP chances may not hinge solely on SMU but rather on their upcoming game against Tennessee. Both SMU and a three-loss Georgia team could find themselves on the outside looking in when the playoff field is finalized. However, if Georgia can secure a victory over Tennessee, the SEC will be filled with two-loss teams, complicating the playoff picture even further.
Urban Meyer expressed his concerns about Georgia’s inconsistency, particularly regarding quarterback Carson Beck’s performance. “When you watch tape, which I was a maniac about that… I’m talking about Georgia, you watch the first half against Texas, second half against Bama, you’re saying, ‘That might be the best team in football.’ You watch that mess last week and you say, ‘SMU is a better team.’ Because I watched them both, and Carson Beck, something is wrong,” Meyer stated during the podcast.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the debates surrounding the playoff picture will only intensify. Fans are left to wonder: Can Georgia reclaim their dominant form, or will SMU rise to the occasion and secure a coveted playoff spot?
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for both programs. The drama of college football is palpable, and every game counts as teams vie for a place in the prestigious playoff. What do you think of Urban Meyer’s take? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on these two teams and their respective journeys. The excitement of college football is unmatched, and the implications of each game will reverberate throughout the playoff rankings. The question remains: Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter under the pressure? The answer lies just around the corner.
