Tag: georgia bulldogs football

Kirby Smart roasts CFP selection committee after win vs. Tennessee

“I respect their opinion but it’s different in our league,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart on the selection committee

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart is unhappy with the College Football Playoff selection committee. Smart made that known after No. 12 Georgia’s 31-17 home win over the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers.

Smart thinks Georgia should be ranked higher than No. 12. The Bulldogs have played the toughest schedule in the country and aren’t getting much credit from the playoff selection committee.

Yes, Georgia has played inconsistently, but the Bulldogs still are 8-2 despite facing five ranked opponents and just one ranked opponent at home.

“I don’t know what they’re looking for,” said Smart on the selection committee. “I really don’t. I wish they could really define the criteria. I wish they could do the eyeball test where they come down here and look at the people we’re playing against and look at them. And you can’t see that stuff on TV.”

Entering Week 12, the Big Ten had four of the five highest ranked teams in the country. It is rare for another conference to have so many teams ranked ahead of the best teams in the SEC.

“They’re not in that environment,” said Smart on explaining Georgia’s offensive struggles against Ole Miss to the committee. “They’re not at Ole Miss in that environment playing against that defense, which is top five in the country with one of the best pass rushers in the country. And they’re fired up. They got a two-score lead, and they’re coming out to play. They don’t know, they don’t understand that.”

To be fair, it would be tough for the selection committee to pick games every week. If would seem unfair to whatever teams’ games they aren’t attending.

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“I respect their decision. I respect their opinion but it’s different in our league,” said Smart. The next playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Georgia earns redeeming 31-17 win against Tennessee

Georgia football stays in control of its College Football Playoff destiny with a big win over Tennessee

The No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs earned a 31-17 win over the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers in do or die game for Georgia.

The Volunteers struck first with a commanding 12-play capped off by tight end Miles Kitselman one-yard rush into the endzone. The Volunteers added on a Max Gilbert 52-yard field goal to take an early 10-0 lead. Tennessee controlled the tempo early, leaning on their ground game and short passing to wear down Georgia’s defense.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s offense struggled to find its rhythm. A potential big momentum play fell through when Arian Smith dropped a deep pass, leaving the Bulldogs searching for answers as Tennessee dictated the pace in the opening quarter.

Georgia’s offense finally ignited in the second quarter, thanks in large part to their tight ends. Oscar Delp became a focal point, hauling in two touchdowns—a four-yard grab followed by a 19-yard strike from Carson Beck. energizing the crowd and tying the game. However, Georgia faced setbacks with Dillon Bell leaving the game due to an injury, and a missed opportunity to connect with Dominic Lovett on what could have been a game-changing play going into halftime.

On the defensive side, Georgia struggled to contain Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, who broke loose for an easy 27-yard touchdown run. Kicker Peyton Woodring ended the half with a 36-yard field goal, tying the score at 17-17.

At halftime, head coach Kirby Smart emphasized the need to tackle better, especially against Sampson, and to tighten up the run defense.

Georgia came out of the locker room determined to impose their will. The defense set the tone by forcing a crucial stop on Tennessee’s opening drive of the second half. On the ensuing possession, Lovett, Smith, and Nitro Tuggle stepped up with key receptions, marching the Bulldogs down the field.

Carson Beck once again showcased his mobility. Faced with pressure from Tennessee’s defensive end James Pearce Jr., Beck scrambled out of the pocket and scampered 10 yards for his third total touchdown of the night. The play not only regained the lead for Georgia at 24-17 but also showed Beck’s ability to adapt and lead under duress.

As the game entered the final quarter, Georgia’s defense rose to the occasion. Fulfilling Kirby Smart’s halftime directive to “affect the quarterback and stop the run,” the Bulldogs recorded two crucial sacks and forced a fumble that shifted momentum firmly in their favor.

The blackout crowd played a pivotal role, their deafening cheers rattling Tennessee’s offense and creating an electric atmosphere that Kirby Smart later praised as “special.” With the fans behind them, Georgia’s defense suffocated Tennessee’s attack, allowing the running back Nate Frazier two-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 31-17 in order for the Bulldogs capitalize and seal the victory.

‘College GameDay’ predicts winner of Georgia vs. Tennessee

The College GameDay crew likes Georgia’s chances against Tennessee. Is that a bad omen for the Bulldogs?

ESPN’s “College GameDay” is in Athens, Georgia, for the Georgia Bulldogs versus Tennessee Volunteers game. Georgia is hosting Tennessee in Week 12 in a battle of two College Football Playoff hopefuls.

Who did the GameDay crew predict to win the Georgia-Tennessee game?

“Uga, I think you’re beautiful,” said Lee Corso, who put on Georgia head gear and picked Georgia to win. “Give me them Dawgs!”

Former NFL punter and college football expert Pat McAfee called the Dawgs and picked Georgia to win. “The Georgia Bulldogs win a must-win and put themselves back in the College Football Playoff!” said McAfee.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban predicts that Georgia will beat Tennessee. Former Michigan Wolverines legend Desmond Howard also predicts that Georgia will win against Tennessee.

GameDay guest picker Cody Rhoades, who is a WWE champion wrestler, picked Georgia to win. All five members of the GameDay crew predicted Georgia to beat Tennessee.

Kirk Herbstreit did not make a prediction because he is commentating the Georgia-Tennessee game.

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The Georgia-Tennessee game is at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 16 and will be televised on ABC.

David Pollack predicts winner of Tennessee-Georgia game

Former ESPN analyst David Pollack, who played for UGA, predicts the winner of the Georgia-Tennessee game

Former Georgia Bulldog and ESPN analyst David Pollack has a number of opinions on the matchup between the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers and the No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs. With massive playoff implications for Georgia, he believes the Bulldogs will show up and win. Pollack talked about the Georgia-Tennessee game on his YouTube channel.

“Georgia can’t lose at home to Tennessee,” Pollack said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Pollack also went on to call this a de facto elimination game for either Georgia or Tennessee. People, such as Paul Finebaum, have called this an elimination game for Georgia, but so far no one has covered Tennessee’s playoff chances after this loss.

“They’re (Georgia) going to have three players that are going to be mocked in the top 15 of the (NFL) draft,” said Pollack, who thinks Georgia has more than enough talent to win.

With a loss, Tennessee will be 5-2 in the SEC but could end up behind other two-loss teams due to tiebreakers. That would eliminate it from the SEC championship race. If Tennessee loses a close game to Georgia, there’s still a chance it could make the playoff, but it’d be an uphill battle with the competition from the Big Ten.

For Georgia, a win could essentially guarantee it a playoff spot, but it could also open the door for it to reach the SEC championship, since it would have a 6-2 conference record. A loss would be a significant blow to Georgia’s playoff hopes.

National media predicts winner of Georgia vs. Tennessee

Media predicts who wins, covers in the Georgia versus Tennessee football game

The No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs (7-2, 5-2) host the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers (8-1, 5-1) in an SEC clash with College Football Playoff implications. The Georgia-Tennessee game will be played on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ABC.

Georgia enters the Tennessee game as 9 1/2-point favorites. The Bulldogs are coming off a 28-10 loss to Ole Miss. Tennessee won 33-14 against Mississippi State last week.

Georgia’s playoff hopes are on the line against Tennessee. The Bulldogs need to win to control their own playoff path.

Members of the media are picking Georgia to beat Tennessee, but the media is divided on who will cover.

National media predictions for Georgia vs. Tennessee

“Georgia needs this game in a big way and that should produce a fiery squad who should play more loose than tight at home. Tennessee’s defense is one of the best in the nation, but this is not one of Heupel’s top offenses,” said Marc Weiszer of Athens Banner-Herald.

Weiszer has the Georgia covering the spread and winning. He’s smart to point out that Tennessee has played just two true road games this season, including their loss to Arkansas.

Prediction: Georgia 24, Tennessee 21

SEC Mike of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Georgia will cover and win over Tennessee. SEC Mike, who is a Tennessee fan, does not have it as his lock of the week.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Tennessee 17

Cousin Shane of “That SEC Podcast” predicts Georgia will win and cover against Tennessee. Cousin Shane is feeling so confident in Georgia that he made the Bulldogs his lock of the week.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Tennessee 17

Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck plays against the Tennessee Volunteers in 2023. Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

“Georgia has rapidly become a confusing team. How do you go from dominating Texas on the road to slumping past Florida and getting overwhelmed at Ole Miss? I will stubbornly stick with UGA because of its defense, but I certainly don’t feel great about it,” said David Kenyon of Bleacher Report.

Kenyon has Georgia winning, but not covering. We’re also stumped on why Georgia has struggled so much. We have to point to a combination of turnovers, poor offensive line play, and Carson Beck and the wide receivers not being on the same page.

Prediction: Georgia 20, Tennessee 16

Our prediction

Georgia has its backs against the wall and is playing one of the best defenses in the country. We think the Bulldogs have just enough to get the job done, but we would be surprised if UGA covered the 9 1/2-point spread based on the Bulldogs’ recent performances.

Prediction: Georgia 20, Tennessee 17

Overall prediction tally

All five writers have Georgia winning, but only two have Georgia winning and covering the 9 1/2-point spread.

Georgia wins: 5

Tennessee wins: 0

3 College Football games to watch in Week 12

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season features some impactful matchups.

The Oklahoma Sooners have arrived at the second of their two bye weeks this season. After a 4-1 beginning to the year, OU has slid to 1-4 in the past five weeks, with the only win coming over FCS Maine.

That means that the Sooners are just 5-5 overall and just 1-5 in [autotag]SEC[/autotag] play in 2024. They haven’t won a conference game since September.

[autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]’ team is licking their wounds after their latest defeat, and they’ll be back on the field on Nov. 23, when they host Alabama. The Crimson Tide essentially will be coming off of a bye week as well. They will face FCS Mercer on Saturday. OU vs. Alabama will be on ABC at 6:30 p.m. central time.

Even with Oklahoma off, the college football world doesn’t stop spinning in Week 12. If you’re like me, you’ll still be tuned in on Saturday, watching some of the biggest games this week’s slate has to offer.

Here are the three biggest games of Week 12 to watch while the Sooners are off.

Tennessee at Georgia

It’s easily the biggest game on the docket, as the Volunteers and Bulldogs both need a win in Athens. The Vols have just one loss (against Arkansas), but they haven’t always been their normal high-flying selves this year. Tennessee boasts a fantastic defense, and they hope to have quarterback Nico Iamaleava healthy in Sanford Stadium.

The Dawgs lost to Ole Miss last week, placing their College Football Playoff hopes in jeopardy. Georgia needs their offense to get back on track between the hedges, and they certainly don’t make it a habit to lose back-to-back games under Kirby Smart. In a loaded Southeastern Conference, this game could go a long way towards deciding who makes it to Atlanta for the conference title game.

Tennessee at Georgia will kick off on ABC at 6:30 p.m. central time.

Missouri at South Carolina

Two teams that have already beaten the Sooners this season will face off to find out who lives in the better Columbia. This one will take place in the Palmetto State, where South Carolina upset Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago. Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks are among the hottest teams in college football, and they aren’t that far away from being 8-1 this year.

Missouri hits the road after defeating Oklahoma, and the Tigers think they still have CFP chances. If they want to get back in the mix at the top of the SEC, they’ll have to go into Williams-Brice Stadium and take down South Carolina in a tough place to play.

Missouri at South Carolina will kick off on SEC Network at 3:15 central time.

Tulane at Navy

It’s not the most impressive matchup on paper, but these two American Athletic Conference foes should play a competitive game in Annapolis, Maryland. The winner has an easier path to their conference title game.

Tulane is undefeated in AAC play, and their only losses have come against Kansas State and Oklahoma. The Green Wave also feature offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, who has been linked to OU’s OC vacancy. His young quarterback Darian Mensah has been impressive in the offensive scheme, taking the reins as a redshirt freshman.

Navy has lost a couple of times since their blistering undefeated start, but the Midshipmen are looking to get back into the race in the AAC. With their annual bout with Army still on the schedule, they don’t want to get too many games back of their arch-rival when mid-December rolls around. The American champion could have a shot at a playoff spot if Boise State stumbles in the Mountain West.

Tulane at Navy will kick off on ESPN2 at 11:00 a.m. central time.

Series history of Georgia vs. Tennessee

Head-to-head history between the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers

The No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs play the No. 4 Tennessee Volunteers at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia-Tennessee game will be televised on ABC.

Georgia has won seven straight games in the series. Head coach Kirby Smart is 7-1 in his career against Tennessee. The Bulldogs are looking to earn another win in the series and to remain in control of their College Football Playoff destiny.

Let’s look at a few recent games in series history.

2023: Georgia 38, Tennessee 10

In 2023, Georgia defeated Tennessee 38-10, led by standout performances from quarterback Carson Beck and tight end Brock Bowers. Beck threw for multiple touchdowns, connecting with Bowers for key plays that kept Tennessee’s defense on its heels.

Georgia running back Daijun Edwards had a productive game, contributing to the Bulldogs’ balanced offense. Tennessee’s quarterback Joe Milton III struggled to find consistency against Georgia’s defense. UGA defensive back Malaki Starks limited the Volunteers’ big plays.

2022: Georgia 27, Tennessee 13

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett scores a touchdown during the first half of a NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Georgia. Joshua L Jones/Online Athens

Georgia held off Tennessee 27-13 in 2022 in a top five clash. Stetson Bennett led the Bulldogs’ offense with over 250 passing yards, including a long touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey. Brock Bowers played a big role, adding key receptions.

Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith and defensive tackle Jalen Carter  consistently pressured Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, who was limited to short gains. Tennessee’s standout receiver Jalin Hyatt was held in check and the Volunteers couldn’t find momentum until it was too late.

2021: Georgia 41, Tennessee 17

Georgia defeated Tennessee 41-17 in 2021 with a stellar showing from both sides of the ball. Stetson Bennett guided the offense, connecting with wide receiver Jermaine Burton for a long touchdown pass and effectively managing the game.

Running back James Cook had a breakout performance with over 100 total yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, linebacker Nakobe Dean led the charge and Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker struggled against the relentless Bulldogs’ pass rush, which included contributions from defensive lineman Travon Walker.

2020: Georgia 44, Tennessee 21

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice reacts after causing a fumble and returning it for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia rallied to beat Tennessee 44-21 in 2020 with quarterback Stetson Bennett leading the second-half comeback. After trailing at halftime, Bennett threw a touchdown pass to Kearis Jackson and running back Zamir White helped power Georgia’s ground game.

The Bulldogs’ defense, featuring linebacker Monty Rice and safety Richard LeCounte, dominated the second half, forcing turnovers from Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano. Defensive lineman Jalen Carter caught a touchdown pass and Monty Rice scored on a fumble recovery as Georgia closed out the game with 27 unanswered points.

Reasons Tennessee will win against Georgia

Reasons why No. 7 Tennessee will defeat No. 12 Georgia and put Georgia’s playoff hopes on life support

The Georgia Bulldogs are large home favorites against the Tennessee Volunteers in their first home night game of the seasons. Georgia’s postseason fate rides on this game. The Bulldogs are nine-point favorites against the Volunteers (8-1).

With a line this big here are three reasons the Volunteers can cover and win the game on Saturday.

Dylan Sampson

Running back Dylan Sampson is arguably the MVP of the SEC. He takes on major responsibilities week after week for the Tennessee offense. Sampson leads the SEC with 20 touchdowns, making him the focal point of the offense and an impact player.

Coach Kirby Smart even compared Sampson to Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara. His combination of speed and vision makes him a constant threat. He is often breaking through defenses for significant gains. Opposing teams have struggled to contain him as he consistently finds ways to make big plays.

front seven

Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Georgia offensive line has struggled throughout the season and last week’s performance was Georgia’s worst. Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. is considered a potential high first-round pick and will be facing off against Earnest Greene.

Pearce Jr.’s lightning-quick first step poses a significant challenge for Greene, who struggled last week against Ole Miss’s Princely Umanmielen, allowing two sacks. Pearce’s relentless pass-rushing ability could be game-changing if Greene isn’t able to contain him. Greene will need to elevate his play to keep Georgia’s offense moving and protect Carson Beck.

Tennessee has the second-best run defense in the SEC and is allowing just 100 rushing yards per game.

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explosive plays

Explosive plays are a key component of Tennessee’s offense, with a 50-plus yard play in every game except one. Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. has been the primary beneficiary with his longest reception stretching 73 yards.
The UGA secondary has been inconsistent this season and it faces another major test against Tennessee’s dynamic wide receivers. If the Georgia defensive backs can’t stay disciplined and cover Thornton and his teammates effectively, then Tennessee could make big plays that swing the momentum in their favor.

What Tennessee’s Josh Heupel said about Georgia

What Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel said about playing the Georgia Bulldogs and quarterback Carson Beck

Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has helped turn around the Volunteers’ football program. Heupel is 35-13 including 19-11 over three-plus seasons as Tennessee’s head coach, but he still has not beat the Georgia Bulldogs and is 0-3 against Kirby Smart.

“Getting ready to go play a great opponent. You look at them really in every phase of the football game – extremely talented, coached extremely well,” said Heupel on Georgia. “They play hard. They play fundamentally sound. They make you earn it in every way, and one that will be a great, great environment and a great opportunity for everybody inside of this program.”

No. 7 Tennessee leads the SEC standings right now with a 8-1 record including 5-1 in SEC games. No. 12 Georgia is looking to stay alive in the SEC championship race with a win over Tennessee. The Bulldogs are 7-2 and 5-2 in conference play.

“He’s an extremely talented quarterback,” said Heupel on Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. “Playing quarterback, man, sometimes what people see isn’t just the quarterback play. It takes all 11 playing together. He’s a really good football player.”

Georgia’s offensive unit needs to play better if the Bulldogs are going to win against a talented Tennessee defense that allows the fifth-fewest points and yards per game.

“More prepared,” said Heupel when comparing the 2022 edition of Georgia-Tennessee to the 2024 version. “We’ve been in all of our systems longer. This football game is different than the last one. Still facing a great opponent.”

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Georgia ended up winning the national championship after taking down No. 1 Tennessee in Athens during the 2022 season.

“You’ve got to do a great job in protection, but it starts with having the ability to run the football, too,” said Heupel on facing the UGA defense. “If you’re one-dimensional, they’re going to make it real tough on you all night long.”

“You put on the tape of Georgia’s defense and their front looks like a Georgia front always looks like,” continued Heupel. “They move like they always move. Their linebackers are athletic, big, physical and they got elite athletes on the back end. What you see on the video is a typical Georgia defense.”

Georgia hosts Tennessee at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 16.

How Georgia’s playoff chances swing with win, loss vs. Tennessee

Georgia football’s season is on the line against Tennessee, but the Bulldogs could still make the playoff with a third loss

According to ESPN, Georgia still has a 73.9% chance to make the College Football Playoff despite having two losses and currently being on the outside looking in.

Georgia has three games remaining and has played the toughest schedule in the country. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 12 in the latest playoff rankings and have a golden opportunity to solidify their playoff hopes with a win over the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday.

If Georgia beats Tennessee and wins out against UMass and Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs are pretty much locks to make the playoff. Georgia would have over a 99% chance to make the playoff in this scenario, which assumes UGA misses the SEC championship. UGA would have a 98% chance to host a first-round playoff game.

If Georgia wins out and loses in the SEC championship, UGA has a 96% chance to make the playoff and a 75% chance to host a first-round playoff game.

If the Tennessee Volunteers beat the Georgia Bulldogs for the first time since 2016, then UGA’s playoff hopes take a major hit. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A loss against Tennessee means UGA is out of the SEC title race. Georgia’s playoff odds drop to 46% with a loss (assumes Georgia wins out against UMass and Georgia Tech).

A three-loss Georgia team would be ranked behind Ole Miss, Alabama and Tennessee because they’ve all beaten UGA head-to-head. It would be tough, but not impossible for Georgia to overcome.

Assuming Georgia wins out, a win or loss against Tennessee would swing Georgia’s playoff odds by 53%.