Georgia entered Week 12 in an unfamiliar position. After a tough loss to Ole Miss, the Bulldogs were struggling to find their rhythm. If the season had ended following the latest College Football Playoff rankings, Georgia would have been on the outside looking in.
For years, Georgia’s dominance had been expected. Close games were often dismissed as the result of boredom, and rare losses were usually viewed as a mere formality, acknowledging Nick Saban’s influence, the coach who helped Kirby Smart build Georgia into a powerhouse.
But in 2024, something felt different. Despite the wins, there was a sense that something was off.
Off-field issues, frustrations with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, and painful losses to rival teams had cast a shadow over Georgia’s season. It almost felt as though the ghosts of Mark Richt’s tenure were haunting the program.
However, on Saturday, Georgia reminded everyone that they are not the same team they were in the past. In a performance that addressed many of their most glaring issues, Carson Beck and the Bulldogs dominated Tennessee 31-17. The win was not only significant in the standings but also sent a clear message to any team that may face Georgia in the playoff.
Beck, who had thrown 12 interceptions in his previous six games, was nearly flawless, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he displayed newfound confidence, consistently making accurate throws downfield.
The offensive line, which had struggled mightily against Ole Miss’ pass rush the week before, stood strong against one of the nation’s most formidable defensive fronts. Beck wasn’t sacked, and Tennessee recorded just two tackles for loss.
The running game, which had been inconsistent and was without injured starter Trevor Etienne, found its spark through Nate Frazier and, crucially, Beck himself. Together, they combined for two rushing touchdowns, offering a glimmer of hope for a backfield that had often looked dormant this season.
In the context of the crowded SEC, Georgia’s performance was a much-needed reminder of their potential.
The SEC as a whole remains incredibly competitive. Heading into Week 12, a number of teams with one or two losses were still in the playoff conversation. The depth of the conference seemed to overshadow the College Football Playoff committee’s rankings, which placed four Big Ten teams in the top five. This frustrated Nick Saban, who repeatedly argued that the committee shouldn’t just consider win-loss records but should also account for other factors, such as revenue and fan engagement.
Saturday also brought clarity to the SEC race. While several teams took care of business against lower-tier opponents Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Kentucky each won handily others like Florida and South Carolina seized the moment.
Florida, behind DJ Lagway and Elijah Badger, handed LSU a 27-16 loss, dimming the Tigers’ playoff hopes. Brian Kelly, visibly frustrated, lashed out at his players in a post-game tirade.
Meanwhile, South Carolina pulled off a dramatic 34-31 win over Missouri. LaNorris Sellers threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Gamecocks to a thrilling last-minute victory.
As the SEC standings stand, Texas and Texas A&M are in control at 5-1, with a pivotal matchup in Week 14. Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Alabama each have two losses, but all have beaten at least one of the other teams in that group, setting the stage for a chaotic finish.
Georgia’s win over Tennessee proved that despite their struggles, they remain a dominant force in the SEC. With so much talent on the roster, their road to the national championship still runs through Athens assuming the College Football Playoff committee acknowledges the depth and quality of the SEC. If not, the chaos in college football is far from over.
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