Georgia is in a position this season that they aren't used to under Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs are 6-1 with a 4-1 record in SEC play and the No. 5 team in the country, but they still don't have control of their own destiny when it comes to winning an SEC Championship.
But what if that is okay? What if the best outcome to Georgia's season involves them not even playing in the SEC Championship game? Smart and the team might disagree, but from a fan's perspective missing the SEC Championship altogether doesn't look so bad.
The perfect ending to Georgia's season is something Kirby Smart will disagree with
As it stands today, Georgia isn't guaranteed to make the SEC Championship game if they win their final three conference games. Both Texas A&M and Alabama are still undefeated in SEC play, and since they don't play each other there is a chance they both finish 8-0. If that happens Georgia will be sitting at home watching those two teams play for an SEC title.
But as long as Georgia wins their final five games, that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
An 11-1 record would be more than good enough to make the College Football Playoff. And considering UGA is already ranked No. 5 in the country, they likely will earn a top four seed and first round bye since the top four seeds are no longer reserved for conference champions.
So not only would Georgia eliminate the chances of suffering more injuries in the SEC Championship game, they also would be sitting in the quarterfinals of the CFP with ample time to rest and prepare. This could very well push Georgia over the top and lead them to advance in the playoff which they were unable to do last season.
If Alabama or Texas A&M loses and Georgia finds their way in the SEC Championship game then so be it. That ultimately is a goal of this team as well, so Georgia fans shouldn't hope that they don't make it there. But if UGA finishes 11-1 but don't make it to Atlanta, then a bye to the CFP quarterfinals doesn't seem so bad.