The College Football Selection Committee released its fourth rankings, and the Georgia Bulldogs continue their reign as the top-ranked team in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the third consecutive week. With an impressive undefeated record of 12-0, the Bulldogs have secured the No. 1 spot in both the Coaches and AP polls as they head into the highly anticipated championship weekend.

Following a thrilling win over Ohio State, Michigan claims the No. 2 spot in the CFP rankings. Like Georgia, the Wolverines have maintained an undefeated record of 11-0 throughout the season. The next two teams in the rankings, Washington and Florida State, are also undefeated, occupying the No. 3 and No. 4 positions, respectively.

Despite suffering a single loss, Oregon remains the highest-ranked team with a 1-loss record, sitting at No. 5 in the CFP rankings. Meanwhile, Ohio State falls to No. 6, with Texas and Alabama securing the No. 7 and No. 8 spots, respectively. Missouri maintains its position at No. 9.

Georgia's journey to the top of the rankings has been nothing short of exceptional. The Bulldogs recently clinched a 31-23 road win against Georgia Tech and boast impressive victories over three top 25 teams - No. 9 Missouri, No. 11 Ole Miss, and No. 21 Tennessee. Michigan, on the other hand, boasts victories over No. 6 Ohio State and No. 10 Penn State. Washington has secured wins over No. 4 Oregon and No. 20 Oregon State, while Florida State claimed a victory against No. 13 LSU.

For Georgia, this is not the first time they have started at No. 1 in the playoff rankings. In 2021, the Bulldogs debuted at the top and went on to win the national championship. After a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship, Georgia bounced back and defeated Michigan in the Orange Bowl CFP Semifinal before taking revenge over Alabama in the title game with a score of 33-18. Last season, Georgia also finished undefeated and won consecutive titles.

Reflecting on the initial 2023 CFP rankings, Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, expressed a lack of concern about not being ranked No. 1, emphasizing the team's focus on their own performance over the years. With a comfortable victory over Ole Miss last weekend, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the upcoming 2023 SEC Championship, where they will face Alabama.

The highly-anticipated SEC Championship clash will take place in Atlanta, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. CBS will broadcast the game, and early odds from Circa Sports have Georgia listed as 4.5-point favorites at the neutral site. According to ESPN, the Bulldogs currently hold a 51.9 percent chance of emerging victorious against Alabama.

As the two powerhouses prepare to clash, the historical rivalry between Georgia and Alabama adds an extra layer of excitement. Alabama holds a dominant lead in the all-time series with 42 wins compared to Georgia's 26, with the Bulldogs claiming a memorable 33-18 victory in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Looking ahead to the SEC Championship, Kirby Smart expressed his focus on the significance of playing for the prestigious title, highlighting the incredible atmosphere that surrounds the game. Both teams will undoubtedly give their all as they vie for the coveted SEC championship title.

Georgia's steadfast position at the top of the CFP rankings, their remarkable record, and their previous championship success make them a formidable opponent for any team. The clash against Alabama promises to be an exhilarating matchup that football fans eagerly anticipate as the Bulldogs look to further solidify their place as the nation's best team.