Georgia vs Georgia Tech Prediction, Preview, Betting Lines: What Happens to UGA’s CFP Dream If It Loses?

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 26, 2024 1:39 PM ET

Can Georgia be knocked out of the College Football Playoff if it loses Georgia Tech?

Not really.

Georgia is all but in the SEC title game, but things could be a tad prickly depending on how the conference showdowns shake out - like, if Vanderbilt shocks Tennessee and/or Texas A&M beats Texas. But for all intents and purposes, assume the Dawgs are in.

If Georgia goes to the SEC Championship and wins, it'll get into the College Football Playoff even with three losses - it's not automatic, but it will be in. However, any possible safety net is gone if the Dawgs lose here - then they can't lose the SEC title game.

Georgia Tech already put Miami's CFP dream in dangers with a win over the Canes a few weeks ago. It's already been a great season, but beating Georgia and getting to 8-4 would be massive.

Georgia vs Georgia Tech: How to Watch and Game Preview

Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
How To Watch: ABC
Venue: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
Teams: Georgia (9-2), Georgia Tech (7-4)
CFN Bluesky | CFN X | CFN FB
- Week 14 Schedule, Predictions

Why Georgia Tech Will Win

The defense continues to be incredible on third downs.

It might have had a bit of an off day last week against NC State, but for the most part the D is good enough to get off the field. Meanwhile, Georgia continues to be … off.

It steps up when it absolutely has to, but it’s not consistent, it’s too hard to get things moving, and overall the ultra-talented offense is only converting 41% of its third down chances.

Offensively, Georgia Tech is getting good production out of young mobile QB Aaron Philo with veteran Haynes King banged up. There’s an attitude here with these two for an attack that’s finding a nice blend of things that are clicking. However …

Why Georgia Will Win

Stop Georgia Tech from running, stop Georgia Tech.

The Yellow Jackets get production from their quarterbacks on the ground, but they’re at their best when cranking out the gashing runs from the backs. They’re 7-0 when running for 119 yards or more, and 0-4 when they don’t.

Yeah, Georgia didn’t give UMass its full and undivided attention, and it got hit for 226 rushing yards and almost six yards per carry.

And yes, Georgia Tech might have that great record when running for 119 yards or more, but six of those seven wins came when running for 190 yards or more.

UMass ran for 226 yards last week. No one else has been able to get to 175 yards on the Bulldogs.

Georgia vs Georgia Tech: Who Will Win?

Georgia Tech will come up with plenty of good moments, and once again, Georgia will be inexplicably blah coming out of the gate. And then the intensity will step up.

This one will be on the Georgia D. When this bunch turns up the intensity a few notches, forget it.