No. 5 Georgia knocks off No. 2 Clemson in game with College Football Playoff implications
Texas, Alabama notch statement wins
BIG TEN CLASH:Penn State takes down Wisconsin
In an era when the best teams in college football have embraced a full turn toward wide-open offensive systems, Saturday’s low-scoring affair reflected how both teams have defenses capable of throwing a wrench into even the best game plans.
However, the state of Georgia’s offense will be a talking point in and out of the SEC, especially given how Alabama didn’t miss a beat in its opener against Miami (Fla.) despite breaking in new contributors at quarterback, running back and receiver.
The 65th meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs was a high-water point in a series that dates to 1897. Only five times before Saturday had the teams met with both ranked in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, and never before had both Clemson and Georgia been ranked inside the top five.
From here, the question turns to how Saturday’s result impacts the playoff race, and specifically how the selection committee might view this victory in late November and early December.
On one hand, a loss doesn’t eliminate Clemson from the playoff picture; the Tigers’ path into the top four only requires a clean run through conference play and an ACC championship. Clemson has reached the playoff in each of the past six seasons.
But for Georgia, this win makes a clear statement about the the Bulldogs’ ability to slow down Alabama’s potent offense and claim the national championship.
Follow colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg