Every Saturday is championship playoff elimination day for one or more teams in the Southeastern Conference. This Saturday, Tennessee and Georgia get the spotlight.
Even though the Bulldogs are No. 1 in strength of schedule, they can’t lose at home and remain in contention. They’ve already lost twice and last week’s setback at Ole Miss was convincing – or maybe overwhelming.
Tennessee has an 8-1 record but the playoff selection committee sees only one significant triumph, over Alabama at Neyland Stadium. That means the Vols could get rooted out of the race even if they finish 10-2.
There is a price to be paid for muscling up on Chattanooga, Kent State and Texas-El Paso.
Of more immediate concern is Nico Iamaleava. A million or three Tennessee fans are holding their collective breath – with fingers crossed on one hand and protecting a leftover lucky four-leaf clover with the other – that the quarterback will be healed and ready to face the challenge.
Some are probably praying, on the chance that God can be persuaded to take sides.
The three great physicians I asked for opinions were unanimous in “no comment.”
Nico is listed as questionable on the official SEC availability report. He is in concussion protocol but practiced Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with the team. Coach Josh Heupel has indicated all along that Iamaleava will play.
“I feel like he’ll be in great shape for Saturday … He has performed well in practice.”
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he assumes Iamaleava will play unless Tennessee lists him as out.
Nico was hurt in the last minute of the first half against Mississippi State. He did not play in the second half or even return to the sideline as a cheerleader.
Meanwhile, at Georgia, what we know as fact is Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck only has his feelings hurt but is upright, on the job and eager to repair his reputation.
Beck was a Heisman Trophy prospect in August who turned into a turnover machine. He has lost nine interceptions in the last four games. He has been sacked six times in that stretch. He failed to throw a touchdown pass in Oxford.
Coach Smart covered for him.
“I thought Carson did some good things. He threw some play-action strikes. He stepped up and made some great third-down plays … I thought Carson played good … We put a lot on him.”
For sure, Georgia did not “play good.” The invincibility of the past three seasons seems to have evaporated. The once intimidating offensive line has not dominated. The Bulldogs had a net gain of 59 rushing yards at Ole Miss.
Best running back Trevor Etienne, imported from Florida in the off-season, wasn’t able to finish against the Rebels. That’s two early outs in a row. He has had a bad case of sore ribs.
Tennessee’s best back, Dylan Sampson, has been battered and bruised but is still going strong. He carried 30 times against Mississippi State and gained 149 yards and his 20th touchdown of the season.
Sobering thought: Sampson lost a fumble too near a score for the third consecutive game. He was fighting for extra yardage. In his first 28 games as a Volunteer, more than 400 carries, he did not lose the ball.
Said Sampson: “We’ll get that right.”
Interesting thought 2: Georgia’s last loss in Sanford Stadium was 28 games ago (same number), on October 12, 2019, to South Carolina.
Follow-up: The Bulldogs won’t look the same at home as they looked last week at Ole Miss. Georgia fans have promised to help. This time it will be Tennessee having trouble hearing snap counts and blocking adjustments from Cooper Mays.
Final follow-up: This is the time of year when college football gets really exciting – and expensive. TV for big-enough games is still free, ABC, kickoff 7:30 or a little later.
Marvin West welcomes comments or questions from readers. His address is marvinwest75@gmail.com
