sec standings shift as Georgia clinches title berth, rivals fall

SEC standings update: Georgia secures SEC title game berth, Arizona upsets ASU, Pitt’s Reid set to return, and Stanford names Tavita Pritchard head coach. Georgia wrapped up Rivalry Week with a gritty 16-9 victory over Georgia Tech, and thanks to Texas’ win over Texas A&M later that night, the Bulldogs officially punched their ticket to the SEC Championship Game.

Kirby Smart Focused on Winning, Not Playoff Strategy

Georgia coach Kirby Smart made it clear he isn’t interested in manipulating playoff seeding or trying to rest his team ahead of the 12-team College Football Playoff.

Smart referenced Ohio State’s run to the national title last season despite missing the Big Ten title game, but said that mindset doesn’t fit Georgia’s philosophy.

Smart emphasized that the only “sweet spot” is simple — win every game you can.

Even though Georgia was hampered by injuries — including the early exit of center Drew Bobo — Smart refused to blame the offensive issues on limited personnel. Quarterback Gunner Stockton struggled, posting Georgia’s lowest passing total since 2019 with just 70 yards.

Smart said Stockton must handle pressure better and take advantage of opportunities that were left on the field.

Bulldogs Get the Help They Needed

Georgia entered Friday needing either:

• Alabama to lose to Auburn, or
• Texas A&M to lose to Texas

Texas delivered with a 27-17 upset, sending Georgia to the SEC title matchup next Saturday in Atlanta.
Alabama still controls its chance at the other SEC title game spot with a win over Auburn.

Despite some outside debate about whether Georgia might benefit from skipping championship weekend to rest before the playoff, Smart shut down that logic:

Arizona Crushes ASU, Ends Sun Devils’ Big 12 Title Hopes

In the Territorial Cup, Arizona dominated Arizona State 23-7, ending ASU’s hopes of returning to the Big 12 Championship.

Quarterback Noah Fifita delivered a strong performance with 286 passing yards, while Arizona’s defense put on a clinic, forcing five turnovers.

ASU quarterback Jeff Sims had a rough night, throwing three interceptions and losing two fumbles. Arizona capitalized with a second-half surge, including a short TD pass from Fifita to Cam Barmore.

The win completes a remarkable turnaround season for Arizona under second-year coach Brent Brennan, improving from 4–8 last year to 9–3 now.

Pitt RB Desmond Reid Expected to Play vs Miami

Pitt running back Desmond Reid, sidelined last week with a lower-body injury, is set to return against No. 12 Miami. Coaches expect him to play but may limit his workload.

Reid has contributed across the board this season:

• 278 rushing yards
• 317 receiving yards
• 4 total touchdowns
• 1 punt return TD

Pitt can reach the ACC Championship Game with:

• A win over Miami
• AND a loss by either SMU or Virginia

Stanford Hires Former QB Tavita Pritchard as New Head Coach

Stanford officially named Tavita Pritchard — former Cardinal quarterback and longtime assistant — as the program’s new head coach.

Pritchard, currently QB coach for the Washington Commanders, will join Stanford after Washington’s Sunday night game.

Why Stanford Chose Pritchard

Led by new GM Andrew Luck, Stanford evaluated over 30 candidates, ultimately choosing a coach known for:

• Strong quarterback development
• Deep connection with Stanford’s culture
• Experience recruiting NFL-level talent
• Long-term familiarity with the academic and athletic expectations at Stanford

Pritchard previously coached NFL and college standouts such as Jayden Daniels, Kevin Hogan, Davis Mills, Tanner McKee, and Bryce Love.

Stanford hopes Pritchard can guide the program back to relevance after several down seasons and rebuild the culture for the modern era of college football.

SEO-Optimized Summary

• Georgia edges Georgia Tech and secures SEC Championship berth
• Arizona shuts down Arizona State’s Big 12 hopes with dominant defensive performance
• Pitt’s Desmond Reid returns for crucial ACC matchup
• Stanford names former QB Tavita Pritchard as new head coach

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