ATHENS, Ga. — The College Football Playoff selection committee presented a challenge to the Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday, ranking Tennessee No. 1 in its first top 25 of the season. It seemed justifiable at the time. It turned out to be a gift.
The reigning national champions, perhaps amused by the perceived threat from these freshly competitive Volunteers, reminded everyone who runs this sport. The path to the Southeastern Conference title and the Playoff still runs between the hedges here.
Georgia 27, Tennessee 13, was a rout disguised as a solid victory. The Vols weren’t ready for what hit them—not the Georgia talent or the Georgia toughness or the shattering noise unleashed by the Sanford Stadium crowd.
