Georgia Bulldogs heading to College Football Playoff
Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs, Roquan Smith #3 and the team celebrate with the SEC Championship Trophy after beating Auburn Tigers. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
NEW YORK -
The Georgia Bulldogs are heading to the Rose Bowl.
College Football Playoff officials announced on Sunday that No. 3 Georgia will be facing off against No. 2 Ohio State on New Year's Day.
Both teams have nearly perfect records at 12-1.
Prior to last night, the Dawgs were ranked sixth by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, but a decisive victory against Auburn in the SEC Championships helped Kirby Smart's team leap up to the top four.
Related: Georgia Bulldogs crowned SEC Champs
“This is certainly a goal of every college football team, coach, and player and we are extremely honored," Smart said. "It also presents a great opportunity for our fans who have been so supportive of our team throughout the season."
The Rose Bowl appearance is Georgia's 53rd bowl game. That's fourth most of any college football team. The last time the Bulldogs were at the Rose Bowl was in 1943. They won that game over UCLA 9-0.
On the other side of the tournament, No. 1 Clemson will play against No. 4 Alabama, leaving Ohio State falling short at No. 5.
If both Alabama and Georgia win, an all-SEC title game is possible.