Miami's Playoff Hope Rises as Georgia Takes Control

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Bobby Carpenter Show

Miami Finds Positives in a Close Loss as Georgia Emerges as the Team to Beat

Miami’s loss could still be viewed as a positive after the team went into South Bend without Malachi Tony and remained competitive until the final play. After struggling to move the ball in the first half, Miami received a strong second-half performance from Darien Mensa. Cooper Barke had a big game, while Loft, the tight end, made several important plays.

That performance showed Miami may have enough talent to reach the ACC championship game and potentially win the conference before Malachi returns. If he is back for a playoff game, Miami can have confidence that it is capable of competing with the Irish—or anyone else—for four quarters.

The result could also create an interesting rankings question. Notre Dame is 8-1 with a victory over the nation’s top-ranked team, while Miami is also 8-1 after playing without Malachi Tony. If the teams are positioned near each other, their recent head-to-head result would have to be considered.

Georgia, meanwhile, delivered a dominant performance against Ole Miss. Although Ole Miss entered the game with a Heisman contender and an opportunity to make a statement in prime time, Georgia controlled the matchup and reinforced its standing as one of the best teams in college football.

Georgia appears to have moved past its bad game and has been dominant against the run over its last two contests, allowing nearly two yards per carry. Chris Cole and the defense are playing at a high level, while Gunner Stockton threw four touchdowns despite attempting relatively few passes.

The Bulldogs have separated themselves as the team to beat in the SEC and possibly the entire country. Ole Miss and Trinidad Chambles were expected to stay competitive, but Georgia slammed the door and now has an opportunity to continue that run against Missouri.

There could still be pressure if Georgia reaches the playoffs after failing to win a playoff game in the last two years. For now, however, the team looks hyperfocused. Auburn beating Georgia may have been the worst possible development for the rest of the SEC.