For the better part of the past few years, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs have been the standard of excellence in college football. Back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 established their dominance, and despite occasional doubts this season, Georgia’s recent 38-13 dismantling of the Tennessee Volunteers serves as a loud reminder that the Dawgs remain the team to beat. This emphatic victory not only solidifies Georgia’s position as a premier contender but also raises questions about the College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee’s rankings and whether the Dawgs are being fairly evaluated.
Georgia entered their clash against Tennessee as the No. 3 team in the CFP rankings, trailing Ohio State and Michigan, despite holding the nation’s longest active winning streak. Critics pointed to a perceived weaker schedule and occasional lapses in dominance earlier in the season as reasons to question the Dawgs’ status. Against Tennessee, those doubts were obliterated.
The Volunteers, led by quarterback Joe Milton and a potent rushing attack, were supposed to provide a stiff test for Georgia. But from the opening whistle, it was clear that Kirby Smart’s team had a point to prove. The Bulldogs’ defense, often referred to as the “Junkyard Dawgs,” smothered Tennessee’s offense, holding them to just 13 points and forcing multiple three-and-outs. Georgia’s defensive line dominated the trenches, while linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson and safety Malaki Starks provided standout performances in shutting down Tennessee’s big-play threats.
Offensively, Carson Beck continued to impress as Georgia’s signal-caller. The junior quarterback threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns, showing poise and precision against a Tennessee defense that has been formidable at home. Tight end Brock Bowers, fully healthy after a midseason injury, reminded everyone why he’s considered the best player in college football, hauling in a pair of touchdowns and making highlight-reel plays that deflated the Knoxville crowd.
Georgia’s victory over Tennessee wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. The Bulldogs now boast an undefeated record (11-0) and have claimed victory in 28 straight games. Their resume includes decisive wins over ranked opponents like Ole Miss and Missouri, both of whom were in the CFP Top 25. Yet, the committee’s decision to rank Georgia behind Ohio State and Michigan heading into this week sparked controversy.
The argument for Ohio State as No. 1 has been its strength of schedule, including marquee wins over Notre Dame and Penn State. Michigan, meanwhile, has been dominant but faced criticism for its relatively soft schedule. While both teams are undoubtedly elite, Georgia’s recent performances suggest the Dawgs deserve top billing. Their blend of talent, depth, and coaching has been unmatched, and their ability to dominate in the season’s most critical moments should not be overlooked.
The CFP rankings, by design, are fluid, and Georgia’s latest performance puts pressure on the committee to reconsider their standings. A team that has not lost in nearly two years and has consistently performed on the biggest stages deserves to be at the forefront of the playoff discussion.
Much of Georgia’s success can be attributed to Kirby Smart, who has transformed the Bulldogs into a dynasty. Smart’s ability to recruit elite talent, develop players, and instill a culture of relentless pursuit has been the cornerstone of Georgia’s dominance. Against Tennessee, this culture was on full display. The Dawgs played with a chip on their shoulder, a reflection of Smart’s philosophy of never being complacent.
Smart’s defensive background has been pivotal in maintaining Georgia’s identity as a physically dominant team. Even with the NFL draft annually raiding Georgia’s roster, Smart and his staff have seamlessly reloaded with five-star talent. This year’s defense, led by names like Mykel Williams, Smael Mondon, and Dumas-Johnson, might not yet have the star power of previous units, but their performance against Tennessee showed that they are peaking at the right time.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Georgia is poised for another deep playoff run. They will face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game—a matchup that will undoubtedly have massive playoff implications. While Alabama has been resurgent under Nick Saban, Georgia’s recent performances suggest they are up to the challenge.
If the Bulldogs emerge victorious, they will not only secure their spot in the CFP but likely ascend to the No. 1 seed. Even in the unlikely event of a loss, Georgia’s body of work this season makes it hard to envision a playoff scenario without them.
Georgia’s statement win over Tennessee serves as a resounding declaration that the Bulldogs are far from done. Their blend of dominance, depth, and championship pedigree makes them a team no one wants to face in the postseason. For the CFP Committee, this performance should serve as a wake-up call. The Dawgs are not just contenders; they are the standard. As Kirby Smart’s squad marches toward another potential championship, it’s time to give them the respect they’ve earned—and perhaps the No. 1 ranking they deserve.