ATLANTA — Georgia entered the season ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press poll, the Bulldogs drawing three of a possible 63 first-place votes. Two weeks later, they’re No. 1 — with 53 first-place votes. After beating Oregon, they rose above Ohio State. After beating Samford, they jumped Alabama. Neither Ohio State nor Bama has lost; Georgia is No. 1 because it looked better in its wins.
The Bulldogs are about to enter the portion of their schedule over which it will be difficult to impress the electorate. They’re No. 1. Of their next six games, five will come against opponents already carrying losses. The exception is Auburn, which struggled to hold off San Jose State. Playing in Gainesville, Florida was overwhelmed in the second half by Kentucky, which Georgia won’t see until Nov. 19.
Preseason belief, at least in this sector, held that the Bulldogs have three true tests before the SEC Championship game. They aced the first, beating Oregon by 46 points. The second figured, and still figures, to be Tennessee on Nov. 5. The third will come against Kentucky in Lexington.
