Joel Klatt explains why Texas vs. Georgia could shape CFP race
By Derek Hryn
Published:
Joel Klatt thinks there’s a lot more riding on the 2025 Texas–Georgia matchup than just bragging rights.
During a recent breakdown of the College Football Playoff picture, the FOX Sports analyst said the Week 12 game in Athens could be “massive,” depending on how the rest of the SEC race shakes out.
“Now is Texas just a spoiler? Or are we in an elimination game at this point?” Klatt said. “This could be a dangerous game for Georgia, who may be sitting on two losses at that point. The SEC doesn’t have a great team right now, but it has a lot of good ones — and if they keep beating each other up, it’s going to get real interesting.”
Georgia is trying to fight its way back into contention after an early loss to Alabama in Week 5, but responded with a much-needed win over Kentucky last Saturday to get back on track. Gunner Stockton and Dillon Bell have given the Bulldogs versatility on offense, and Kirby Smart’s defense was back to its physical self up front.
Texas, meanwhile, is reeling after a stunning 29-21 loss at Florida. Arch Manning threw for 263 yards and two scores but was sacked six times and hit often behind an overmatched offensive line. The Longhorns’ Playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, but if they can bounce back over the next few weeks, a trip to Athens could suddenly become a season-defining moment — one that either revives their playoff dream or derails Georgia’s for good.
