Nick Saban and Kirby Smart Playoff Pitches
Nick Saban and Kirby Smart make their playoff pitches. Will expanded playoffs fix this dilemma?
As Kirby Smart left the field at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night, he attempted to put one of the most agonizing games of his career behind him. The reality is Nick Saban has once again beaten his former top assistant and defensive coordinator. This time by just three points in a game that would determine the College Football Playoff, at least it has appeared. Georgia has lost their position as the top-ranked team in the country, their 29-game winning streak, and their dynasty that was beginning to rival Saban’s.
Andy Staples on Twitter: “Kirby Smart makes his case to the playoff selection committee. pic.twitter.com/fTZPflb9mi / Twitter”
Kirby Smart makes his case to the playoff selection committee. pic.twitter.com/fTZPflb9mi
However, Smart suddenly stopped and turned around as he headed towards the tunnel. He began to shake his players’ hands, thanking them and whispering words of encouragement in their ears. Although the game had ended in the cruelest way possible, Smart had convinced himself, and his players, that they still had more to achieve. “We’re going to make it,” muttered Georgia wide receiver Rara Thomas to himself as he hobbled off the field on crutches.
Was the SEC title a playoff match?
The game felt like a College Football Playoff match took place after No. 1 Georgia’s defeat of 27-24 to No. 8 Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. The CFP wasn’t necessarily decided at that moment. However, it was Smart who convinced his players that their ultimate goal was not yet out of reach.
Ben Ehrlich on Twitter: “Nick Saban on the 2023 Alabama football team:”Everybody’s together.” – relatedness”They’re all responsible for their own self-determination which means they can go do their job.” – autonomyThe 🐐 casually dropping 2/3 needs of self-determination theory of motivation pic.twitter.com/mbEmT4htFa / Twitter”
Nick Saban on the 2023 Alabama football team:”Everybody’s together.” – relatedness”They’re all responsible for their own self-determination which means they can go do their job.” – autonomyThe 🐐 casually dropping 2/3 needs of self-determination theory of motivation pic.twitter.com/mbEmT4htFa
Earlier this week, CFP’s executive director, Bill Hancock, made an unusual statement by suggesting that the four-team bracket should comprise the “best teams in order.” Additionally, Hancock stated that the term “most deserving” was not part of the CFP Selection Committee’s criteria.
The CFP has been flexible with its qualifications over the past decade. This has caused even the Strength Everywhere Conference to fear being left out.
There’s no doubt, the entire college football world will be tuned in to see who gets left out!
Overtime on Twitter: “Nick Saban got me ready to run through a brick wall pic.twitter.com/NkkwUDoRWF / Twitter”
Nick Saban got me ready to run through a brick wall pic.twitter.com/NkkwUDoRWF