Three Reasons Georgia Deserves to Be Ranked #1

Ohio State entered the weekend ranked No. 1. Oregon was No. 2. But after what Georgia did Saturday, I believe the Bulldogs deserve to be considered the best team in college football. Georgia opened its season by dismantling Tennessee State 63-3 at Sanford Stadium, delivering the type of complete performance expected from a national championship contender. Yes, Tennessee State is an FCS opponent, and nobody should crown Georgia based on one game. However, sometimes it isn't just about who you beat. It's about how you beat them. Georgia piled up 660 yards while holding Tennessee State to only 109. The Bulldogs averaged 11 yards per play and didn't commit a turnover. Here are three reasons I believe Georgia deserves to be No. 1. Gunner Stockton completed 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns, but Georgia didn't collapse offensively when he left the game. Ryan Puglisi threw for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Ryan Montgomery added a 54-yard touchdown pass. Nate Frazier was just as explosive, rushing for 72 yards and three touchdowns on only four carries. That depth matters. Injuries happen during a long season, and Georgia appears capable of replacing talented players without dramatically changing the quality of its football team. Scoring 63 points gets everyone's attention, but allowing only three might have been equally impressive. Tennessee State managed just 109 total yards and averaged 1.9 yards per play. To me, the best team in America shouldn't have to rely exclusively on an explosive offense or dominant defense. Georgia showed it potentially has both. Ohio State crushed Ball State 56-3, and Texas defeated Texas State 59-7. LSU also made a massive statement by destroying Clemson 51-10. Those performances deserve attention. But Georgia looked as complete as anyone. Talent alone doesn't win championships. Teams need discipline, preparation and the ability to handle pressure. Smart has built Georgia into a program where competing for championships isn't considered a special season anymore — it's the expectation. That's why I'm comfortable putting Georgia at No. 1. The Bulldogs still have plenty to prove. Beating Tennessee State doesn't carry the same weight as beating an elite SEC opponent, and Georgia's toughest tests are still ahead. Rankings are also about evaluating what a team can become. After Saturday, I see tremendous quarterback play, explosive playmakers, a suffocating defense, remarkable depth and a coaching staff that knows how to navigate a championship race. Ohio State may currently own the No. 1 ranking. If I'm casting a ballot based on which team I believe is the most complete and the one I'd trust most to win a national championship right now, my answer is Georgia. The Bulldogs didn't just win Saturday. They looked like the best team in college football. This article first appeared on TWSN and was syndicated with permission.