Paul Finebaum, a top voice in college football, ripped into the Georgia Bulldogs after their shocking loss to Ole Miss in the 2026 College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The defeat marks another early exit for Georgia, raising questions about the program’s direction under coach Kirby Smart despite back-to-back SEC titles.
Finebaum Questions Georgia’s Dominance
Finebaum did not hold back on his show, calling Georgia’s recent SEC championships hollow. He pointed out that the Bulldogs looked like the team to beat entering the playoffs but crumbled under pressure.
This comes after Georgia won national titles in 2022 and 2023, setting a high bar. Finebaum compared them to Ohio State, another powerhouse that underperformed this year. Both teams were expected to clash in the championship, but neither made it past the quarterfinals.
He stressed that Georgia’s playoff runs have ended too soon for three straight seasons. Fans and analysts alike wonder if the team has lost its edge.
Details of the Crushing Loss
The game against Ole Miss unfolded in Atlanta, where Georgia fell 28-21 in a tight battle. Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for over 300 yards, while Georgia’s offense struggled in key moments.
Kirby Smart’s decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game backfired, sealing the Bulldogs’ fate. This loss adds to a pattern of postseason disappointments, including last year’s exit against Notre Dame.
Attendance hit record numbers, with over 70,000 fans packing the stadium. Viewers tuned in nationwide, making it one of the most-watched quarterfinals ever.
- Key stats from the game show Ole Miss outgained Georgia 412 to 356 yards.
- Georgia committed two turnovers, while Ole Miss had none.
- The Bulldogs’ defense, usually a strength, allowed 21 points in the second half.
Player Reactions and Team Morale
Inside the Georgia locker room, players stayed positive. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch, a transfer from USC, praised the team’s resiliency. He noted that reaching the final eight is a big deal, even if they fell short.
Branch believes this setback will fuel the team for 2027. Other players echoed similar thoughts, focusing on the culture of bouncing back.
Coach Smart addressed the media post-game, admitting mistakes but vowing improvements. He highlighted young talent stepping up, like freshman quarterback Gunner Stockton, who showed promise in limited action.
Broader Impact on SEC Football
Finebaum’s comments extend to the entire SEC, which had a rough playoff showing in 2026. Alabama lost badly to Indiana, and other teams like LSU exited early.
This year marks a shift, with Big Ten squads dominating. Finebaum declared the end of SEC supremacy, a bold take from someone known for boosting the conference.
| Team | 2024 CFP Result | 2025 CFP Result | 2026 CFP Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Quarterfinal loss | Quarterfinal loss | Quarterfinal loss |
| Alabama | Did not qualify | Semifinal loss | Quarterfinal loss |
| Ole Miss | Did not qualify | Quarterfinal win | Semifinal bound |
| Ohio State | Quarterfinal loss | Did not qualify | Quarterfinal loss |
The table above shows how top teams have fared recently. Georgia’s streak of early exits stands out.
What Lies Ahead for the Bulldogs
Looking forward, Georgia faces roster changes. Stars like Branch and linebacker CJ Allen are NFL-bound, entering the 2026 draft.
Recruiting remains strong, with the Bulldogs landing the top class for 2027. Smart’s track record suggests a rebound is possible, but pressure mounts for another title.
Analysts predict Georgia will start next season ranked in the top five. Offseason moves, including potential transfers, could reshape the team.
Fans should watch spring practices for clues on improvements. With the expanded playoff format, more chances exist, but execution is key.
Share your thoughts on Georgia’s future in the comments below, and pass this article along to fellow college football fans for more discussion.
