Don’t think Georgia playoff chances took a huge hit after the loss Alabama Saturday evening. ESPNs Heather Dinich I took a look at what will come after the instant classic.

Of course, we have a tough schedule ahead of us, including the Texas Longhorns. But the Bulldogs are well prepared to climb back up in the polls right away.

Of course, the first rankings won’t appear until later in the year, but Dinich gave a look behind the scenes.

“If you look at the Georgia aspect of this, because they played such a tough game in the second half, they changed the narrative and the perception of this game in the committee meeting room,” Dinich said. Sports center. “So this would be considered a good loss. However, they have lost some cushion that they will need later, because if you look at the rest of Georgia’s schedule, it is extremely difficult: in Texas, on Ole ma’amagainst at home TennesseeAccording to ESPN analytics, they are not expected to win all of these games.

“And if they fight for an at-large bid, the 12-team play-off also has a first-round home match at stake, awarded to the teams seeded fifth through eight. So even though the 12-team playoff has changed and become more forgiving, there is still a lot at stake in this game.”

Dinich said the Alabama win could see them rise in the rankings, including making a case for No. 1.

“Alabama made a case for the number one team in the country because the Tide just pulled off perhaps the best win in the country, at least as the month of September comes to a close,” Dinich said. “And that came a week after a respectable road win Wisconsin.

“What this does is it gives Alabama an edge in the SEC standings. And don’t forget, the four highest-ranked Conference Champions earn a first-round bye. Alabama is leading the way on that path. But don’t forget Texas.”

Alabama and Georgia could end up leading the playoff mix

It’s possible Georgia can still win the SEC. It’s not out of the question to win and then have a rematch with Alabama in the SEC Championship, picking up a top-four seed.

At that point, Georgia would be heading to the quarterfinals in the first round.

However, Kirby Smart lost again to Alabama. This time, Georgia fell under the new look Crimson Tide led by Kalen DeBoer.

‘What’s everyone else’s track record? Does anyone have one better than 1-6?” Smart asked rhetorically in his postgame presser. “They played them six times? I don’t think so. I think they have very good players, they have a great program. I have enormous respect for them. They do a great job.”

Smart went further, complimenting Saban’s work in laying the foundation for his long tenure of legendary success in Tuscaloosa, and DeBoer for taking what he was given and apparently running with it.