CONCORD, N.C. – When the University of Georgia jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the University of Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, Chase Elliott was understandably excited.
When that lead became 21-7 in the second quarter, and 28-14 in the third, that excitement grew as the Georgia Bulldogs looked to win their conference and secure their spot in the four-team playoffs to determine a champion in college football.
But Alabama scored the next 21 points to win the game 35-28 and remain undefeated, dropping Georgia to 11-2.
“They did a good job, I felt like, for what they had,” Elliott said of Georgia. “Alabama did a really good job of controlling the game. Another heartbreaker.”
A longtime fan of Georgia, Elliott said he believed the Bulldogs still deserved a place in the four-team playoffs despite the tough loss.
“I think so, just because they’re the only team to do anything decent with Alabama,” the driver said. “I would say so. I think they’re one of the top four.”
Ultimately, however, Georgia did not make the playoffs. Instead, the Bulldogs will take on the Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
While disappointed his favorite team won’t have a chance to play for the championship, Elliott is confident in what the Bulldogs will be able to do in their final game of the season against Texas.
“I’m going to say 35-14, Dawgs,” he predicted.