The Georgia Bulldogs, under the guidance of Mike White, are hitting their stride just as SEC play is winding down. With a 19-8 overall record and a balanced 7-7 in conference matchups, Georgia is making waves. Their NET rating stands at a commendable 33, boasting a 5-6 record against Quad 1 opponents and an impressive 5-1 against Quad 2.
This surge comes after a stellar week where Georgia pulled off a road upset against Kentucky and dominated Texas at home. These victories have boosted their standing in the world of Bracketology, with ESPN's Joe Lunardi placing them as a No. 9 seed.
However, a road loss to No. 25 Vanderbilt could impact their seeding.
If Georgia finishes 2-2 in their remaining games, they should still make the tournament field.
As they prepare to face Vanderbilt, the odds are stacked against Georgia, with FanDuel Sportsbook giving Vanderbilt an 8.5-point edge. The moneylines sit at Vanderbilt -490 and Georgia +365, with a projected total score of 163.5 points, suggesting a likely outcome of Vanderbilt 86, Georgia 77.5.
An upset victory over Vanderbilt would be pivotal, potentially boosting Georgia to a No. 8 seed or better. Georgia has hovered around a No. 10 seed since SEC play began but moved up to No. 9 following key wins.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt, once a No. 2 seed, has slipped to No. 5 and is projected to face Belmont in a No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchup.
While a win over Vanderbilt won't immediately catapult Georgia into the top seed range, finishing the season strong with a 5-1 run could do wonders. If they manage to close out at 23-8 (11-7) heading into the SEC Tournament, their ranking should reflect their late-season momentum.
Vanderbilt appears more vulnerable than anticipated, especially with Georgia's recent form. A strong finish could solidify Georgia's standing and set them up for a promising postseason.