Mike McDaniel has no “Dawg” per se in terms of picking a program to root for in the SEC. Then again, when his quarterback became a superstar at Alabama, it’s usually best to roll with his university.

McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa’s relationship has evolved into 1 of the NFL’s best QB-coach tandems. And while the Crimson Tide might be the home of an MVP front-runner, McDaniel isn’t afraid to let Tua know which program reigns supreme in 2022.

During warmups in Sunday’s 30-15 win over the Houston Texans, McDaniel walked past his quarterback and whispered: “Georgia is definitely the best SEC school without a shadow of a doubt. I’m so glad Tua can’t hear me.”

The Bulldogs are 1 of 3 programs that remain undefeated entering conference championship weekend. Behind the play-calling of Kirby Smart, plus a potent offense led by ‘The Mailman’ Stetson Bennett, Georgia is a win away from punching its ticket to a 3rd College Football Playoff appearance.

Alabama, which entered the post-Week 13 CFP poll as No. 6, would need chaos to occur to make the CFP in 2022. TCU, which move up to No. 3,  would likely have to be blown out in the Big 12 title game by No. 10 Kansas State. Meanwhile, No. 4 USC would have to lose to No. 11 Utah in the Pac-12 title game on Friday night.

At least Tua will always have the last laugh against Georgia. Does anyone else remember 2nd-and-26?

This season, Tagovailoa has looked the part of an All-Pro passer, leading Miami to a current 8-3 record. In 9 games, the former Alabama sensation has thrown for 2,564 yards and 19 touchdowns against 3 interceptions. He leads the NFL among active starting quarterbacks in passer rating (115.7) and ranks second in completion percentage (69.7%).