Georgia is making headlines this week, but not for the reasons fans might have hoped. After a disappointing 28-10 loss to No. 16 Ole Miss, the Bulldogs find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff rankings. The big question is: where do they go from here?
Georgia’s Fall from Grace
The Bulldogs, who began the season ranked No. 3, are projected to tumble down to No. 10 in the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings. This shift is significant, as it would mean that Georgia, despite its rich history and talent, could be left out of the playoff picture entirely. With Ole Miss moving up to No. 9, the Rebels would take the final at-large spot, while teams like Miami, BYU, and Boise State could secure their playoff berths as conference champions, even if they are ranked lower than Georgia.
Does Georgia deserve to be in the playoff conversation right now? That’s a tough call. The Bulldogs have struggled with turnovers, committing three or more in four of their last six games. Their performance has been inconsistent, shining only in select moments against teams like Alabama and Texas. Kirby Smart, the head coach, has a challenge ahead, but a victory against Tennessee in Week 12 could reignite their playoff hopes.
Impact of the Loss
The loss to Ole Miss is not just a setback; it’s a pivotal moment that could reshape the playoff landscape. The College Football Playoff committee has a tough job ahead, as they must weigh Georgia’s previous victories, including a solid win against Texas (30-15 on October 19), against the fact that Ole Miss now holds a head-to-head victory over them. The Rebels have also faced their share of challenges, with narrow losses to Kentucky and LSU, which complicates the committee’s decision-making process.
But that’s not the only controversy brewing. The ACC and Big 12 are set to have projected conference champions—BYU and SMU—who will likely be ranked lower than Georgia yet still make it into the playoff field. How will the committee justify that? It’s a situation that could spark outrage among fans and analysts alike.
Current Playoff Picture
As we look ahead to Week 12, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Here’s how the current rankings stand:
Moved in: Ole Miss
Dropped out: Georgia
The excitement builds as we consider the projected College Football Playoff first-round byes.
Projected College Football Playoff first-round byes
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No. 1 Oregon (10-0, Big Ten champion)
The Ducks continue their impressive run, recently defeating Maryland 39-18. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel set an FBS record with his 179th career touchdown, showcasing Oregon’s dominance in the Big Ten race. -
No. 2 Texas (8-1, SEC champion)
Texas is back on top after a commanding 49-17 victory over Florida. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for five touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to a strong finish in the SEC. -
No. 3 BYU (9-0, Big 12 champion)
BYU remains unbeaten, pulling off a thrilling 22-21 win against Utah. Their resilience has kept them at the forefront of the Big 12 race. - No. 4 Miami (9-1, ACC champion)
Despite a recent loss to Georgia Tech, Miami still controls its destiny in the ACC. However, their chances for an at-large bid seem slim.
Projected Playoff Matchups
As we dive deeper into the playoff picture, let’s take a look at the projected first-round matchups heading into Week 12:
No. 12 Boise State (8-1, Mountain West champion) at No. 5 Ohio State (8-1, Big Ten at-large)
Ohio State is coming off a dominant 45-0 win against Purdue, while Boise State is maintaining its lead in the Mountain West Conference.
No. 11 Ole Miss (8-2, SEC at-large) at No. 6 Penn State (8-1, Big Ten at-large)
Ole Miss’s recent victory over Georgia has put them in a strong position, while Penn State bounced back with a decisive win against Washington.
No. 10 Alabama (7-2, SEC at-large) at No. 7 Tennessee (8-1, SEC at-large)
Alabama is riding high after a big win against LSU, and they’ll be looking to continue their momentum against a tough Tennessee team.
No. 9 Notre Dame (8-1, Independent at-large) at No. 8 Indiana (10-0, Big Ten at-large)
This matchup could be one for the ages, with Indiana aiming to maintain their perfect record against a formidable Notre Dame squad.
Bubble Teams to Watch
As the playoff race heats up, several teams are still vying for a spot:
Georgia (7-2, SEC)
Despite their recent loss, Georgia has the potential to bounce back. A win against Tennessee could put them right back in the conversation.
SMU (8-1, ACC)
Leading the ACC standings, SMU has a strong offense and is looking to secure a championship spot.
Texas A&M (7-2, SEC)
After a tough loss to South Carolina, Texas A&M is still in the mix, but they need to win out to stay relevant.
Colorado (7-2, Big 12)
The Buffaloes are making waves in the Big 12, and with a solid performance against Utah, they could elevate their standing.
With the playoff race tightening, every game counts. The coming weeks will be crucial for teams like Georgia, and fans are sure to be on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolds. Will the Bulldogs reclaim their spot, or will they fade into the shadows? Only time will tell!
