SEC Football is truly one of a kind. The latest wrinkle in the chaotic conference lived up to the billing. With the national spotlight firmly on Athens, the Georgia Bulldogs (8-2) bested the Tennessee Volunteers (8-2) 30-17. This result thwarted the fallacious or at least premature discourse surrounding the Dawgs’ downfall. Georgia alum David Pollack discussed the repercussions of this win for Georgia in the bigger picture.

The atmosphere in Athens was festive and intimidating, depending on what persuasion you’re of. For the Vols, any nerves seemed to have been settled after a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter. However, it was all Bulldogs from that point on. Speaking of festive, the Vols have now become the latest addition to the SEC’s 2-loss carousel. Pollack discussed that facet and more in the aftermath of the game.

With the ensuing chaos in the backdrop, Pollack believes the Bulldogs’ win has cemented their place in the CFP. “I think Georgia punched their ticket tonight to the playoffs. [Like} I think that right there, with what they’ve played schedule-wise, would absolutely be enough to get them in the CFP if they win, obviously, the next two games”, he said.

Georgia has arguably played the toughest schedule this season. While that context would absolve them of some criticism, a third loss could have proven fatal for Kirby Smart’s team. The Week 12 iteration of the CFP committee’s ranking put the Bulldogs at 12th. Their placement right on the cusp of the cut-off should now soar drastically.

As for Tennessee, they’re now rubbing shoulders with 4 other conference schools sitting at 8-2. That aspect of the SEC has almost been the theme of the CFB weekend. Pollack spoke about this dynamic that is ever-changing.“What gets really interesting to me now is the Tennessee two-loss comparison with everybody else.[Because] Tennessee beat Alabama, Alabama beat Georgia, Ole Miss beat Georgia, like, just the Mary-Go-Round that will exist”.

For Tennessee, the comfortable 7th spot they held in the ranking is now under major duress. The Vols’ win against Bama earlier has largely been mitigated. It will be fascinating to see if they place inside the Top 12. Moreover, they may just have breathed life into a rival’s flailing campaign. 

Georgia Bulldogs are finally off the leash?

The loss to Ole Miss last weekend was a gut punch for Kirby Smart’s unit. Many questioned whether the current iteration of the Dawgs was up to par with its predecessors. The loss was almost an accumulation of poor performances in the lead-up. One particular player was seemingly feeling the heat.

Carson Beck must feel the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders on Saturday. Georgia’s QB1 was off a rough stretch of games, turning the ball over, with 12 picks in his last 6 games. Beck played perhaps his best game of the season in a huge spot against Tennessee. He garnered 379 total yards and 3 TDs, including one rushing TD. His 32 yards on the ground were his season-high, and the impact he had running the football was evident. The game also marked his first without an INT since Week 6 against Auburn.

Kirby Smart will be hoping his signal-caller has found his mojo again. Georgia will now be seeking to avoid a calamity and win out before embarking on a freshly minted 12-team playoff path. They take on the UMass Minutemen next. Expect more fireworks to ensue in the SEC.