Danny Kanell explains why Georgia deserves No. 1 spot in CFP rankings

Ohio State debuted at No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings and even after a shaky game against Rutgers, they stayed there. Georgia may have had a chance to jump up after earning their first ranked win of the season against Mizzou but stayed put at No. 2. For the time being, resume is what’s keeping the Buckeyes at the top.

If Danny Kanell was on the CFP selection committee, he would have Georgia at No. 1. Although his logic would not entirely be accepted by the committee, saying until Kirby Smart‘s team gets taken down, they should be at the top of the sport.

“I know we’re not supposed to do this because it’s supposed to be each year in a vacuum,” Kannel said. “But in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. How many games are we talking about that they’ve won consecutively? It’s really impressive with what they’ve done.”

Back-to-back national championships are hard to ignore. Especially since Georgia did what Kanell discussed — taking down the team on top. The 2021 title game against Alabama was where momentum between the two programs switched. Smart finally got a win against Nick Saban and in the biggest way possible.

Back to this season where Georgia’s schedule has been their biggest point of contention. And there have been a couple of close calls along the way when facing SEC opponents. That will change down the stretch and it began last week against Missouri.

“I know they were tested somewhat earlier this year,” Kannel said. “South Carolina, Auburn on the road. But they’ve risen to the occasion. I think Carson Beck is quietly playing as well as any quarterback in the country. These last couple games, they’ve done it without Brock Bowers. I just think they deserve to be No. 1 until someone beats them.”

Georgia will have a huge test on Saturday, with Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels coming to town. It’s going to be the best offense Georgia has played to this point of the season, while Beck has another opportunity to show out — maybe with Bowers back on the field.

If they are able to walk into Sanford Stadium on Saturday night with a win, Kanell believes Georgia will leapfrog Ohio State on Tuesday and take over the No. 1 spot in the CFP rankings.

“This weekend, if they beat Ole Miss — I will be floored — I think that would be the leapfrog,” Kanell said. “The committee is not supposed to look ahead.”