Don’t think so Georgia The playoff chances were severely affected after the loss Alabama Saturday evening. ESPN’s Heather Dinich We took a look at what comes after the instant classic.

Sure, there’s a tough schedule ahead that includes the following Texas Longhorns. But the Bulldogs have a good chance of climbing back up the polls.

Of course, the first rankings won’t be released until later in the year, but Dinich offered some insight.

“If you look at the Georgia aspect, they changed the narrative and the perception of that game in the committee room because they played such a tough game in the second half,” Dinich continued Sports center. “So that would be a good loss. However, they’ve lost some cushion that they’ll need moving forward because if you look at the rest of Georgia’s schedule, it’s extremely difficult: at Texas, at Ole MissHome vs TennesseeThey aren’t expected to win all of those games, according to ESPN analytics.

“And if they are fighting for an overall bid, the 12-team playoffs also include a home game in the first round, awarded to the teams in fifth through eighth place. Even though the 12-team playoffs have changed and are more lenient, there is still a lot at stake in this game.”

Dinich mentioned that the Alabama win could move them up in the rankings, including making a case for the No. 1 spot.

“Alabama was tipped for the No. 1 team in the country because the Tide just had arguably the best win in the country, at least toward the end of the month of September,” Dinich said. “And it came a week after a respectable away win Wisconsin.

“This gives Alabama an advantage in the SEC standings. And remember: The four top-ranked conference champions receive a bye in the first round. Alabama is a leader in this regard. But don’t forget Texas.”

Alabama and Georgia could end up top of the playoff mix

Georgia could potentially still win the SEC. It’s not out of the question to win and then have a rematch with Alabama in the SEC Championship and clinch a top four spot.

At this point, Georgia would have a first-round bye to the quarterfinals.

However, Kirby Smart lost again to Alabama. This time, Georgia fell for the Crimson Tide’s new look Kalen DeBoer.

“What’s everyone else’s record against them? Does anyone have a better one than 1-6?” Smart asked rhetorically in his post-game press release. “She played that six times? I do not believe that. I think they have really good players and a great program. I have great respect for them. They’re doing a great job.”

Smart continued, praising the work Saban did in laying the foundation for his long, storied success story in Tuscaloosa, and praised DeBoer for taking what he was given and obviously running with it.