Georgia coach Kirby Smart is optimistic about his team headed into the College Football Playoff, but cautiously so as every team that earned a bye last year lost.

Georgia will open the College Football Playoff on Jan. 1 in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, where last season ended with a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame.

Georgia will open the College Football Playoff in the Sugar Bowl, and its history in the iconic bowl game is mixed.

Georgia football earned the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff rankings and will get a first-round bye in the bracket. Georgia will play in the Sugar Bowl.

Kirby Smart left no doubt about how the No. 3-ranked Bulldogs planned to proceed on their ascension into the College Football Playoff after their win over the Crimson Tide.

A most improved Bulldogs defense flexed in the SEC championship Saturday, absolutely punishing an Alabama team that was fighting for a place in the College Football Playoff.

Georgia's defense kept the pressure on Alabama QB Ty Simpson throughout the game en route to a 28-7 win in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday.

There was really only one moment Georgia's SEC title game win over Alabama seemed in doubt, but the defense ensured that moment was short-lived.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart had a lot to say after his team's SEC Championship game victory, most notably expressing his concern about next year's 9-game conference schedule.

Georgia's defense struggled against Alabama in the Bulldogs' only regular-season loss this year, but it showed how far it has come in the rematch.