Tennessee football has an opportunity to significantly impact the College Football Playoff race and could potentially eliminate Georgia from contention if they manage to pull off a stunning upset. This scenario is both possible and plausible, given the right combination of factors on the field, and the stakes could not be higher for both teams as they approach the crucial stretch of the 2024 season. Here’s how Tennessee can impact Georgia’s playoff hopes and what is at stake.
Tennessee’s Path to Victory
Tennessee enters this matchup with a clear understanding of what is at stake: defeating Georgia would not only give the Volunteers a monumental victory over one of the most dominant programs in college football but could also put them in a position to vie for their own playoff berth. While Georgia remains one of the most formidable teams in the nation, the Volunteers have proven they can challenge any team on a given day, especially at home in Neyland Stadium.
First and foremost, Tennessee needs to execute its high-powered offense, which can be potent with quarterback Joe Milton’s arm strength and the speed of their receiving corps, led by star receivers like Squirrel White. The offense must be balanced, with running back Dylan Sampson providing necessary yardage on the ground to keep Georgia’s defense on its heels. Tennessee’s offensive line, however, will be tested by Georgia’s defensive front, which is one of the best in the country. If the Vols can provide Milton with adequate protection and create some running lanes, they could exploit Georgia’s defense, which has been vulnerable at times this season.
Defensively, Tennessee must be disciplined and aggressive. Georgia’s offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck, is explosive, with playmakers like Brock Bowers at tight end. The Volunteers will need to limit explosive plays, particularly Bowers, who is a matchup nightmare for almost any defense. Tennessee’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, especially in critical moments, but they will need to be at their best against a team like Georgia. A strong pass rush and key stops on third down will be vital for Tennessee to keep Georgia’s offense off the field and stay competitive.
What Georgia Needs to Lose
For Tennessee to eliminate Georgia from the College Football Playoff, a loss in this game would be incredibly damaging to the Bulldogs’ postseason prospects. Currently, Georgia is unbeaten and ranked at the top of the rankings, but a loss to Tennessee could complicate their path to the playoffs.
First, an SEC loss would almost certainly drop Georgia from the number one spot, potentially out of the top four entirely, depending on the outcomes of other key matchups around the country. The SEC is often regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and with teams like Alabama and LSU lurking in the background, the margin for error in the SEC Championship race is razor-thin. A loss to Tennessee would leave Georgia with little room for further mistakes, as their standing in the rankings would likely be compromised.
Moreover, the loss would likely derail Georgia’s pursuit of an undefeated season, a key consideration when the playoff committee weighs resume strength. An undefeated season is often seen as an automatic ticket to the playoffs, and losing to Tennessee would leave Georgia with just one loss, which could push them down in the rankings—especially if other teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington remain undefeated or with only one loss of their own.
Additionally, even if Georgia wins the SEC East and makes it to the SEC Championship Game, a loss to Tennessee could leave them out of the playoff picture altogether if other conferences produce multiple one-loss or undefeated teams, such as Big Ten or Pac-12 champions.
Implications for the Playoff Race
If Tennessee manages to defeat Georgia, the implications for the College Football Playoff would be significant. Not only would Tennessee dramatically improve their own standing in the race, but they would also open the door for other teams in the SEC and around the nation to jump ahead of Georgia in the rankings.
For Georgia, the loss could lead to a scenario where they are no longer in control of their destiny. The playoff committee places a significant emphasis on conference championships, and a loss to Tennessee would make Georgia’s path to an SEC title and, by extension, the playoff, much more complicated. The Bulldogs would need to win out and likely need help from other teams around the country to secure a spot in the final four.
Tennessee has the ability to eliminate Georgia from the College Football Playoff picture with a major upset. For Georgia, a loss to Tennessee could be the beginning of the end of their playoff hopes, as they would face an uphill battle to get back into contention for the postseason. For Tennessee, a victory could catapult them into the mix for a playoff spot and send a clear message that they are a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
