FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt says there is no longer doubt about who sits atop the SEC. After Georgia’s decisive 35-10 win over Texas in Week 12, Klatt declared the Bulldogs as the conference’s best team.
Georgia’s victory in Athens not only pushed the Bulldogs to 9-1, but also dealt a major blow to Texas’ fading College Football Playoff hopes.
Klatt said on his latest show the performance was dominant in all phases and revealed a side of Georgia he had not seen all season. One that could be a game-changer in the Playoff picture as the Dawgs surge ahead towards a possible SEC title run.
“Gunner Stockton was outstanding. The entire team was outstanding,” Klatt said. “They played better in that game than I think they have played all season long, which is scary for everybody else because Georgia now to me is the best team in the SEC. Nobody wants to see that team. Nobody wants to see that coach right now.”
Georgia may still miss the SEC championship game due to tiebreakers among the league’s trio of one-loss teams, but Klatt noted that avoiding the title game might not hurt the Bulldogs. With the risk of a loss and a possible rankings drop being removed from the equation. Also, an extra week of rest could benefit them entering the Playoff.
The Bulldogs have surged in November by beating Mississippi State and Texas. Stockton has been the pivotal leader, throwing for 2,269 yards, 19 touchdowns and just three interceptions while adding eight rushing scores.
Georgia is putting it all together at the right time. After taking Tennessee to overtime early in the season, this team has transformed into a proven contender. They’ve become the SEC team no one wants to draw in the final weeks.
Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.