As the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture tightens, the stakes could not be higher for both Georgia and Tennessee heading into their upcoming Top-15 showdown. With the game taking place in Athens, No. 7 Tennessee (8-1) will face No. 12 Georgia (7-2) in a contest that could have significant ramifications not just for the SEC Championship race but for the national title chase as well. Both teams find themselves in critical positions, but Georgia’s playoff aspirations appear to be on the line more than Tennessee’s.
Paul Finebaum, ESPN’s resident college football expert, made his prediction for the game during his appearance on *Get Up* on Friday, and he is siding with the Bulldogs. “I think they will [win],” Finebaum stated, acknowledging that while Georgia is favored, it faces challenges. The contest features a Tennessee squad that has been playing impressive football this season, but with some uncertainty at the quarterback position due to injuries, the Vols are not fully at strength.
Georgia, on the other hand, has its own set of issues, notably the absence of star running back Kendall Milton. His injury could significantly impact Georgia’s ground game, which has been one of their strong points in recent years. Nevertheless, Finebaum is confident the Bulldogs will overcome these obstacles, particularly in front of a home crowd in Athens. “This schedule has beaten them down, but I think they’ll overcome it tomorrow night,” he said, adding that despite a few setbacks this season, Georgia’s talent and depth could carry them through.
The importance of the game cannot be overstated. For Tennessee, this matchup represents a chance to solidify its position as the top team in the SEC and further bolster its case for a spot in the CFP. With a record of 8-1, the Vols are currently in first place in the SEC East and are looking to stay ahead of rivals like Alabama and Georgia in the hunt for the conference title. Even if they lose, Tennessee still has a good chance to finish strong, but a victory would almost guarantee them a seat at the table come playoff time.
For Georgia, however, this game is a must-win if they hope to remain in the CFP conversation. A third loss would likely knock the Bulldogs out of contention for both the SEC Championship and the national title. After being ranked No. 12 in the latest CFP standings, the pressure on Georgia to perform has never been more intense. Finebaum stressed the significance of this game for Georgia, stating that a third loss would make their path to the playoff nearly impossible. “I don’t trust this committee period. I certainly wouldn’t trust them with three losses,” he remarked.
Despite their disappointing losses this season, including a surprise defeat to South Carolina and a tough loss to Missouri, Georgia still has a wealth of talent that could make a difference in a high-stakes game like this. Head coach Kirby Smart’s team has experience and leadership, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and Finebaum believes that they will find a way to win, even if the team has looked flawed at times. “Georgia has disappointed at several points this season, but I don’t think they’ll lose a third game,” Finebaum said.
As both teams prepare for a fierce battle on Saturday night, the outcome will have serious consequences, not only for the SEC standings but also for the CFP hopes of two of college football’s most storied programs. With Georgia’s playoff hopes on the line and Tennessee looking to solidify its position as a contender, the stage is set for a game filled with drama, tension, and, most importantly, immense pressure on both coaches to deliver.
