Georgia vs. Michigan set for the first round of the College Football Playoff

For the first time since 2017, Georgia is back in the College Football Playoff and will face off against Michigan in the first round of the playoffs.

The two teams will square off in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Dec. 31.

This will be Georgia’s fourth appearance in the Orange Bowl all time but haven’t been since 1960.

The Bulldogs secured their spot in the playoffs despite their 17-point loss in the SEC Championship against Alabama.

“The goal of every college football team, coach, player, and fan is to be one of the four teams in the Playoff and we are extremely honored,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “It represents another step for our program at Georgia. It also represents a great challenge playing a team like Michigan which has proven to be one of college football’s most accomplished programs.”

The Bulldogs held the No. 1 spot for most of the season but their spot in the playoffs wasn’t guaranteed after losing 41-24 to the Tide in the SEC title game.

Georgia dropped down to the No. 3 seed below Alabama and Michigan. Michigan secured its spot by winning the Big Ten title in a 42-3 win over Iowa.

Alabama will take on Cincinnati in the first round in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 31.

There is a possibility of a rematch of the SEC Championship game if Georgia and Alabama are able to beat Michigan and Cincinnati.

The National Championship game will take place on Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.