Everyone knew heading into Georgia football's game against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff that this game would be extremely close. Everyone knew it also would likely come down to a couple plays as both teams were evenly matched. So this game was going to be decided by a handful of plays and which team could make those key plays and avoid the crucial mistakes would likely win.
And unfortunately for Georgia, it was Notre Dame who was able to make the biggest plays and take advantage of the Bulldogs' mistakes to win the game 23-10.
Georgia couldn't overcome crucial mistakes
As mentioned, Georgia lost this game because of a handful of plays that didn't go there way. In fact, one could argue that the game was lost during the final seconds of the first half and beginning of the second half.
After a field goal from Notre Dame gave the Irish a 6-3 lead, Georgia QB Gunner Stockton was sacked from behind and fumbled the ball, which Notre Dame capitalized on the very next play to take a 10 point lead into the half. That is when disaster struck as the Irish ran the opening kickoff of the second half back for a touchdown to extend their lead to 17.
The Bulldogs fought hard from there and did everything they could to get back into this game, but a 17 point deficit proved to be too much to overcome against a team like Notre Dame. It's hard to judge this season for Georgia because they did win the SEC Championship, but failing to win a playoff game and losing three games this year will make this season feel like a disappointment.
This will be an interesting offseason for Georgia as Kirby Smart and his staff have a lot of areas that they need to improve, but for now UGA has to settle for a disappointing end to the season as they look to regroup and have a better season next year.