No. 8 Alabama’s 27–24 upset win over No. 1 Georgia in the SEC championship game has sent the 2023 College Football Playoff into absolute chaos.
The Tide took a 17–7 halftime lead and were able thwart a second-half comeback by the Bulldogs. Alabama’s (12–1) suffocating defense was the deciding factor in the victory as Nick Saban’s squad held Georgia to just 4-of-12 (33.3%) on third-downs.
Alabama’s 11th consecutive win now puts tremendous pressure on the committee to decide which four teams should earn a coveted berth in the College Football Playoff.
ALABAMA. SEC CHAMPS. 🏆
The Crimson Tide take down No. 1 Georgia, 27-24. pic.twitter.com/3jy4orF5fI
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 3, 2023
Pac-12 champion Washington (13–0) likely earned a berth after last night’s win over Oregon. However the next three remaining spots are truly up for grabs.
Should heavily favored Michigan (12–0) beat Iowa on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship, they would wrap up the second spot.
If Florida State (12–0) beats Louisville in the ACC championship later this evening, the committee would have to consider the undefeated Seminoles despite the loss of starting quarterback Jordan Travis.
Big 12 champion Texas (12–1), one-loss Georgia (12–1) and SEC champion Alabama all have résumés that garner serious consideration as well.