Georgia beats Alabama: How SEC Championship result impacts College Football Playoff

From start to finish, Georgia dominated the SEC Championship game. Alabama never put up a competitive effort on the offensive end, getting an old-school defensive performance from a Kirby Smart-led team. A massive result for the Bulldogs in more ways than one.

Smart continued to face a ton of noise surrounding his record against Alabama after losing September’s game in Athens. Nick Saban clearly had his number, and through two games, Kalen DeBoer did too. Maybe the narrative on the situation now shifts for Smart, getting his account opened vs. DeBoer.

Georgia also secured its College Football Playoff path with a win. Never really in doubt of being left out of the 12-team field, it’s now easy to assume they will be a top-four seed with a bye. No. 2 feels like a safe bet, falling just behind whoever winds up taking the Big Ten Championship between Indiana and Ohio State. Set to be made official on Sunday, Georgia fans can go ahead and get those Sugar Bowl reservations around New Year’s booked.

But from a CFP perspective, Alabama is a much more interesting storyline. The Crimson Tide entered the day ranked No. 9, having a spot in the 12-team field by two spots. Most teams on the bubble and behind them were idle on Saturday, sans BYU — who lost the Big 12 Championship to Texas Tech in Arlington.

Debate will now rage on about whether or not Alabama should be included. Last season saw SMU lose in the ACC Championship to Clemson, only to remain in. Fans of teams such as Notre Dame and Miami will be hoping the committee goes against that precedent.

“Personally, I think Miami is going to be in,” ESPN’s Herbstreit said on the matter. “Because I think BYU‘s loss, the second time to Texas Tech, could ultimately impact them. I think the discussion is going to be Bama and Notre Dame, just in my opinion. I think that’s what they’re going to have to weigh and look at all the things you look at. Bama has a lot of good for them, Notre Dame has some good for them. So, it’s going to be an interesting discussion, I’m sure, in that room.”

Attention now turns to the selection show, scheduled for noon ET on ESPN. Georgia fans will officially find out where they stand, while Alabama gets to hold its breath for around 18 hours.