The Georgia Bulldogs are under significant pressure as they attempt to recover from narrowly missing the College Football Playoffs last season after securing back-to-back National Championships. With the new 12-team playoff format, expectations were high for Kirby Smart’s team to secure a playoff spot. However, after suffering losses to Alabama and Ole Miss, their record stands at 7-2 and they are ranked No. 12 in the playoff standings.
This weekend, they will face a tough challenge against No. 7 Tennessee, who holds an 8-1 record. With two early-season losses and facing a projection that might exclude them from the playoffs, this game is crucial for the Bulldogs.
As the team prepares, they recognize that their performance has not met expectations, prompting them to call on fans for support: “Be Early Be Loud Be ELITE,” they posted on social media. With a top-12 showdown against Tennessee in Athens, a vibrant atmosphere is anticipated, although concerns linger among fans about the team’s dominance compared to previous years.
Kirby Smart addressed the playoff rankings, acknowledging their position outside the playoff picture but emphasizing that the team’s focus is solely on the upcoming game against Tennessee. “I don’t have much control over it,” Smart stated, highlighting the importance of improvement and performance over worrying about rankings. The team aims to win and enhance their playoff chances, hoping to silence any doubts regarding their strength.
