Georgia Slides in ESPN’s FPI Despite 11-1 Record - And That Might Be Just What They Need
As Georgia gears up for its SEC Championship showdown with Alabama, there’s a surprising twist in how the Bulldogs are being viewed - at least by ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). While most polls and playoff projections still have Georgia firmly in the top tier of college football, ESPN’s FPI has taken a more skeptical stance, dropping the Bulldogs to No. 8 in the latest update.
That’s right - even after a win.
Georgia’s 16-9 victory over Georgia Tech last weekend may not have been flashy, but it was a road win against a nine-win team. That kind of result usually doesn’t hurt a team’s standing much, especially this late in the season. Yet, the FPI saw it differently, bumping Georgia down two spots from No. 6 to No. 8 heading into postseason play.
Let’s be clear: Georgia Tech isn’t a pushover. They’ve had a strong season, and rivalry games always bring a little extra chaos. But the FPI didn’t seem impressed by Georgia’s performance, and that’s raised a few eyebrows - especially considering where other rankings have the Dawgs.
The Associated Press Poll and the College Football Playoff rankings have both consistently placed Georgia ahead of Alabama. But the FPI? It’s flipped the script, giving the Crimson Tide the edge heading into the SEC title game.
Now, FPI isn’t the final word on college football - it’s a data-driven model that factors in things like efficiency, strength of schedule, and game control. Still, it’s hard to ignore the disconnect between what the numbers say and what the eye test - and most other rankings - are showing.
Georgia’s resume is rock-solid. Wins over Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas headline a campaign that’s seen the Bulldogs go 11-1 and dominate for much of the year.
So seeing them ranked behind a one-loss Alabama team that’s had its own close calls? That’s bound to raise some questions.
But maybe this is exactly what Kirby Smart’s team needs.
For a program that’s been at the top of the mountain, finding an edge - a reason to play with a chip on your shoulder - can be tough. Being doubted by one of the sport’s most prominent analytics models? That might be the kind of bulletin-board material that lights a fire in the locker room.
Georgia hasn’t beaten Alabama often during Smart’s tenure, but the last time they did, it was on the biggest stage - the national title game. If they’re going to do it again this weekend, it’ll take a complete performance. The defense will need to be sharp, the offense efficient, and the game plan airtight.
Whether or not you agree with ESPN’s FPI, one thing’s certain: Georgia has everything to play for. And if they needed a little extra motivation, they just got it.