Joel Klatt believes loser of Alabama vs. Georgia is 'behind the eight ball' in the SEC

A lot will be on the line this weekend between No. 2 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama. Among that will be the chance of still being in the SEC Championship according to Joel Klatt.

Klatt discussed the consequences for the loser between the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide while on ‘The Herd’ on Wednesday. He sees the Southeastern Conference as one with several contenders now whether due to pedigree or by schedule. With how the rest of the league is set, that makes this a crucial one for both of UGA and ‘Bama if they want to be in Atlanta again come December.

“I’ll say this. I actually think that, in the SEC specifically? Georgia and ‘Bama are playing this week. I don’t know if they’re even in the top-two in the SEC because of Texas,” said Klatt.

“Like, the loser of this game is behind the eight ball,” Klatt stated. “I don’t think that the loser of this game is going to be able to get back to the SEC Championship because of the schedule that Missouri plays, the way that Tennessee is playing. The way that Texas is playing, what their schedule is – it’s favorable as compared to, like, let’s say Georgia’s schedule the rest of the way.”

Georgia and Alabama have been represented in 14 of the last 16 title games in the SEC, including each of the last 10. They’ve met in four of the past dozen with the Tide winning all of those games.

Now, based on what’s happening around the league at the open of conference play, neither may end being there this fall as neither may be able to afford a loss this early on.

Georgia has a very difficult schedule starting this weekend in Tuscaloosa. From there, they’ll still have road games at Texas and at Ole Miss along with a game against Tennessee. That’s not even mentioning that the ‘Dawgs did not look their best in their last outing before their first bye over the past week.

Alabama also has a tough slate in conference play following their own bye. They’ll play Georgia as well as Missouri and Auburn in Tuscaloosa before going out to play Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma.

The SEC is also just incredibly top-heavy in 2024. Through four weeks, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Missouri are all in the top-dozen of the latest AP Poll, including five being in the top-six. LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M are also in the Top-25. Still, there remain only two spots in the conference championship with several teams positioned to vie for those.

Georgia vs. Alabama will mean a ton for more reasons than one. However, its greatest in-season impact might be on who’s going to play for the 2024 SEC Championship.