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Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are likely going to be in the College Football Playoff. Even with the SEC Championship Game against Texas still to be played, both the Bulldogs and the Longhorns appear safe.
Based on last Tuesday’s CFP rankings, the Tennessee Volunteers are the 3rd SEC team that appears safe. Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina all have 3 losses and appear to be on the outside looking in.
After Week 14, Smart was asked about the 3-loss SEC teams and if they deserve to be in the Playoff.
“It boils down to who the best teams are,” Smart explained on Sunday. “The quality. The depth. Compare leagues when they play each other. The quality of the schedule you play has to matter.”
Smart on 3-loss SEC teams making the CFP: “It boils down to who the best teams are. The quality. The depth. Compare leagues when they play each other. The quality of the schedule you play has to matter.”
— Chuck Dunlap (@SEC_Chuck) December 1, 2024
To back up Smart’s point, 8 of the 10 teams with the best strength of schedules are in the SEC. Per ESPN’s Football Power Index, Texas has the worst strength of schedule in the SEC and they’re still No. 32 in the nation.
Additionally, SEC teams went 8-3 against ACC teams, 2-2 against Big 12 teams, and 3-1 against Big Ten teams. This means that SEC teams went 13-6 overall against the 3 other power conferences in 2024. For reference, the Big Ten went 7-9 against power conference opponents and the ACC went 10-12.
The committee has previously indicated that teams would not be punished for losing conference championships. However, the Bulldogs would have 3 losses if they lose the SEC Championship Game. Would this make it less likely that another 3-loss team gets in?
Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina all won in Week 14, so the committee won’t have an easy decision to make. Selection Sunday will take place on December 8.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
