The Georgia Bulldogs were long overdue for a game like this against an SEC foe. Despite giving up a touchdown on the first drive of the game, Georgia thoroughly dominated the Mississippi State Bulldogs from start to finish. While Jeff Lebby's team found the end zone three times on the day, Kirby Smart's offense could do no wrong. Georgia prevailed over Mississippi State by winning, 41-21.
This was one of those games where it could have done more harm than good for Georgia's playoff chances, but a win is a win is a win. No. 5 Georgia improved to 8-1 on the season and 6-1 in SEC play. All the while Mississippi State has two more chances to get a sixth win on the season. They have to play at Missouri and then home vs. arch rival Ole Miss. They are close, but Georgia is still way better.
With only three games left in the regular season, it would take a total catastrophe for Georgia not to make the playoff at this point in time. The Dawgs had an 85-percent chance of making it coming into Saturday. With their eighth win on the year in nine tries, that number might be closer to 92 percent after this week. While it is not a guarantee that they will be a part of the playoff, it is extremely likely.
Here is what all needs to happen for Georgia to make the playoff for the second season in a row.
Georgia Bulldogs' chances of making the playoff are almost certain now
At 8-1 on the season and 6-1 in SEC play, Georgia has two signature wins on the year over Tennessee and Ole Miss. The Bulldogs' lone loss was to perpetual nemesis Alabama at home by three points. The Crimson Tide were ranked No. 4 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the year. All that remains for Georgia during the regular season are dates with Texas, Charlotte and rival Georgia Tech.
The Texas date will be at home next Saturday in primetime. Georgia will then welcome Charlotte Between the Hedges in the final home game of the season. After that, Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate with Georgia Tech will be played in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Texas is a top-15 team in the country. Georgia Tech is a top-20 team in the country. Charlotte has already suffered seven losses...
To tie a bow on this, it is very simple for Georgia to make the playoff. Assuming that they beat Charlotte at home on senior day, all the Dawgs need to do is split their two other games between Texas and Georgia Tech to make the 12-team field. Georgia will be favored in all three of its remaining games. Texas is most likely to upset Georgia, followed by Georgia Tech. Charlotte is not doing it, y'all.
Ultimately, as long as Georgia gets to 10 wins, the Bulldogs will make the playoff. Could they get in at 9-3 (6-2)? That is not out of the realm of possibility, but Georgia's playoff destiny is out of its control in that scenario. Should Georgia win out, the Dawgs will have a shot at playing in the SEC Championship Game. They need Alabama to lose twice, as well as for Texas A&M to lose one, preferably to ... Texas.
Two more wins shall get Georgia in: One over Charlotte, and one over either Texas or Georgia Tech...