In the aftermath of two consecutive national championships, the Georgia Bulldogs found themselves excluded from the College Football Playoff in 2024. However, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, a former national championship quarterback at Alabama, believes that Georgia has a strong likelihood of securing a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff format. McElroy, in his Always College Football Podcast, assessed the potential candidates from the SEC and placed the Bulldogs at the top of his list for the 2024 season, despite acknowledging the competitive landscape.
As McElroy delved into the Bulldogs’ prospects, he pointed out that heading into the upcoming season, he would likely rank them as No. 1. He acknowledged the formidable competition from Ohio State but emphasized Georgia’s favorable position, having achieved a remarkable 29-1 record in their last 30 games. McElroy highlighted the return of quarterback Carson Beck, entering his second year as a starter and fifth year in the program. Praising Beck’s capabilities, McElroy also noted Georgia’s consistent success in recruiting, finishing in the top four almost every year and securing the top position twice.
While expressing confidence in Georgia’s offensive prowess with Beck and notable transfers, McElroy raised concerns about the defensive performance, citing fluctuations observed in the 2023 season. He specifically mentioned instances of vulnerability against the run in games against Missouri and Alabama. McElroy expressed hope that the defensive unit, which featured several freshmen in the starting lineup last year, would show improvement in the upcoming season.
One potential obstacle McElroy identified was Georgia’s challenging schedule, featuring matchups against formidable opponents such as Clemson, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss. He recognized the difficulty of expecting an undefeated season but suggested a more realistic outlook of 10-2 or 11-1.
Reflecting on the previous year’s playoff rankings, where Georgia finished sixth despite a loss in the SEC championship game, McElroy believed that the committee would likely give the Bulldogs the benefit of the doubt due to their exceptional roster. He estimated a 90% chance of Georgia securing a spot in the 12-team playoff field, even if they don’t emerge as SEC champions.
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