Paul Finebaum expresses caution on Georgia ahead of playoff eliminator vs. Vols

Georgia has two regular-season losses for the first time in four years after this past weekend. That now has Paul Finebaum concerned about them going into the final quarter of their season, specifically in this next week.

Finebaum discussed the ‘Dawgs during ‘The Matt Barrie Show’ on Sunday after a 28-10 loss in Oxford. Frankly, he doesn’t know what to make of them right now because there are positives and negatives right now when taking them into consideration.

“You know, Georgia? If they had been a dynasty for 10, 15 years, it felt like yesterday was the end but I know it’s not because, you know, they’re the kind of program that has been up and down this year, you know, for the first time,” said Finebaum.

“I mean, a lot of people overnight were saying, ‘Hey, is Georgia done?’. No – might be a week from now. But, you know, again, it’s impossible to figure out the Georgia situation right now,” Finebaum said.

The question is who is Georgia? Are they the team that we saw look like themselves against Clemson, in the second half against Alabama, or Texas? Are they the one that struggled against Kentucky, in the first half against Alabama and Florida, and Ole Miss? Or are they in between like they were in so-so performances in games like Auburn and Mississippi State?

The Bulldogs have three weeks to decide that in terms of still being able to make the College Football Playoff. Actually, though, they really have one ahead of a de facto game in the playoff when they host a top-ranked matchup against Tennessee on Saturday.

“They are now in a playoff eliminator at home against Tennessee,” Finebaum said. “It’s a monster game.”

Now, the difference in that one could end up being nothing more than Kirby Smart. How he prepares his team and puts them in position ahead their next time out will determine whether or not any of them will be in the playoff.

“I’m sure many around the country are saying, ‘How in the world can they come back?’ but they have what still may be the very best coach in the country,” said Finebaum. “How he can patch that offensive line back together and how he can give Carson Beck an emergency infusion of confidence? I don’t know. But playing at home will help.”

Georgia hasn’t been this vulnerable in this decade. That’s why so much attention will be on Athens next weekend in how they respond to facing three losses at all, let alone all of them coming before the postseason.