David Pollack Names Two Teams as College Football Playoff Locks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Dec 3, 2024 2:15 PM ET

The conference championships are here, and many of the games have significant implications for the College Football Playoff. For some teams, winning means they secure a spot in the playoffs, while for others, a loss could end their hopes of making it to the postseason.

One of the most exciting matchups is a rematch between the No. 3 Texas Longhorns (11-1) and the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs (10-2). In their earlier season meeting, the Bulldogs secured a dominant 30-15 victory on the road, leading 23-0 at halftime. A key factor in that game was turnovers, with Texas committing four and Georgia turning the ball over three times.

Texas scored only seven points from Georgia's turnovers, while the Bulldogs capitalized on Texas' turnovers with 14 points. Both Georgia scores came from a total of 47 yards.

David Pollack analyzed the game on his YouTube channel, "David Pollack College Football." He stated that while it is an important game, he believes that regardless of the outcome, both teams will make the College Football Playoff.

"I think both teams are in the College Football Playoff regardless," Pollack said.

This game showcases two of the best coach-quarterback duos in the nation: Texas, led by Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Quinn Ewers, and Georgia, headed by Kirby Smart with quarterback Carson Beck. Ewers has completed 67.3% of his passes for a total of 2,307 yards, along with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Meanwhile, Beck has a completion rate of 65.1%, throwing for 3,429 yards, 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

According to ESPN's matchup predictor, the Longhorns are heavily favored. The predictor gives them a 61.5% chance of winning the game and securing the SEC title in their first year in the conference.

This gives Texas a chance to secure the No. 1 overall seed, depending on the outcome of the Big Ten championship between the No. 1 Oregon Ducks (12-0) and the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1).

The Longhorns and Bulldogs will face off on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: