Georgia fans are noticeably worried about whether Kirby Smart can lead the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship game this season. Texas A&M and Alabama are both currently undefeated in league play and ranked higher and if they win out it won’t matter what Georgia does. But this may play in UGA’s favor.
With each additional game, there is a greater chance of injury to any player, especially key players. Also, playing the additional game in Atlanta means greater wear and tear on every player in the game. Not making it to the SEC Championship, or even getting a bye in the College Football Playoff, could actually help Smart win his third National Championship.
Bye teams went bye, bye last year.
Having a bye into the quarterfinals did not help Georgia last season. Having a bye didn't help Oregon, Arizona State or Boise State either. All four bye teams lost last year in the quarterfinals last year which is something no one saw coming. So Georgia may be better served to be a part of the 12-team field and simply win out, going 1-0 with each opponent they face.
The extra time off to recover from injuries and prepare for their eventual opponent may seem like a good thing, but it gets players and teams out of the weekly rhythm of practice, preparation, and focus. All four teams looked sluggish in their games, none more so than Georgia.
And with Georgia's history this season of starting slowly, it won't help matters to come out of hibernation with a bye. Let the Aggies and Crimson Tide beat up on each other in Atlanta. Sure, another SEC banner would be nice for Sanford Stadium, but Georgia fans, players and coaches alike would rather have some bling on their finger with a National Championship ring.
None of the current roster have had a taste of a National Championship yet. Let them enter the CFP hungry, ravenous even, for four wins in a row, and then feeding on the glory, glory to old Georgia by lifting the National Championship trophy in January.