CFP Showdown Looms: Georgia Eyes Ole Miss, While Ohio State’s Caleb Downs Hopes for Dawgs Rematch
Georgia’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup with Ole Miss is the immediate focus in Athens, but there’s no denying that Bulldog fans-and players-will be keeping one eye on the other side of the bracket. Specifically, Ohio State vs.
Miami. Because if Georgia handles business against the Rebels, they’ll face the winner of that game in the semifinals.
And there’s no shortage of storylines waiting to unfold.
One of the most intriguing? Caleb Downs vs. Georgia.
The Ohio State defensive back has made it clear: he wants to play the Dawgs.
Downs, a former five-star recruit from the state of Georgia, has a long and winding history with the Bulldogs-even though he never wore the red and black. Coming out of high school, he was one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country.
Georgia made a strong push. But Downs chose to roll with Nick Saban and Alabama.
Then came Saban’s retirement, and Downs hit the transfer portal. Georgia fans held their breath, hoping the prodigal son might finally come home.
Instead, he headed north to Columbus.
And it’s hard to argue with the results. Downs won a national title with the Buckeyes last season, and now he’s back in the playoff as part of the No. 2 seed.
Still, the Georgia connection hasn’t faded. In fact, it seems to be fueling him.
This isn’t the first time Downs has said he wants a shot at Georgia. He’s spoken openly about it, even suggesting that if joint practices were a thing in college football, Ohio State should line up with Alabama and Georgia. That’s not just talk-it’s a competitor circling the matchup he wants most.
Of course, Georgia has its own motivations. If they beat Ole Miss, there’s a chance they’ll face Miami and former Bulldog quarterback Carson Beck in the semis.
That storyline writes itself-Beck going up against the program he once led. But if Miami falls and Ohio State advances, a Georgia-Ohio State semifinal would bring its own kind of heat.
Especially with Downs on the other sideline.
For Kirby Smart’s team, the task at hand is clear: beat Ole Miss and earn the right to keep playing. But beyond that, the potential matchups are rich with drama. Whether it’s Beck and Miami, or Downs and the Buckeyes, Georgia’s path to another title is layered with familiar faces and unfinished business.
And if it is Ohio State waiting in the semis, don’t be surprised if Caleb Downs brings a little extra fire. He’s wanted this one.