As the season draws to a close, Georgia football is under pressure. Although they are 9-2, they are very close to securing their place in the College Football Playoffs.
In order to qualify for the College Football Playoffs this season, UGA may need to win both of their remaining games. Yes, if Georgia wins the SEC Championship game next week, they will qualify for the CFP; but, if they lose to Georgia Tech on Friday, they will only be able to qualify if they win the title game. In order to relieve some of the burden on the championship game the following weekend, Georgia must defeat Georgia Tech.
However, considering the way the CFP committee has managed theirbusiness this year, and if Georgia loses the SEC, who knows what they will do.
Even if Georgia finishes the season with three defeats, former Alabama coach Nick Saban is quite certain that the team will qualify for the playoffs this year.
According to On3.com, Saban stated, “You have some other teams that maybe didn’t play the same competition, but they also didn’t lose games to average teams.” That, I believe, is important. Furthermore, Georgia should not be penalised if they are the only team with three defeats who might argue for a spot in the SEC championship game. They would suffer three losses if they were to lose the game.
Georgia shouldn’t face consequences for participating inThe SEC Championship game
Saban agrees with many people throughout the nation that UGA shouldn’t be penalised for participating in the SEC Championship game. Saban believes the outcome of the SEC Championship game shouldn’t affect whether Georgia advances to the CFP, assuming they defeat Georgia Tech this weekend.
For instance, if teams like Tennessee win their season finale, their place in the CFP will be guaranteed. After this week’s games, Georgia’s record would also be on par with, if not superior to, that of a team like Tennessee. Therefore, if Georgia loses the SEC Championship game, why should they lag behind a team like Tennessee?
Saban and the majority of people believe that a team shouldn’t receive recognition if they don’tmust participate in the championship game of their conference. Therefore, Georgia should still qualify for the CFP even if they lose in the championship game and finish 10-3 this season. Therefore, Georgia should only lose its final two games at this stage of the season in order to miss the playoffs.
But who can predict what the committee will ultimately decide to do? Georgia still has a chance to secure a top four seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs by winning their remaining two games.