Paul Finebaum didn’t mince his words regarding Georgia’s standing following their loss to Notre Dame in the Quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff, comparing the Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Georgia Bulldogs came into the Sugar Bowl optimistic. Despite massive flaws that caused several games to be close down the stretch, the Bulldogs won the SEC championship to secure a first-round bye.

Notre Dame safety Jordan Clark (1) celebrates his interception during a NCAA college football game against Florida State at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The story of the Sugar Bowl can be boiled down to less than a minute of game time in final seconds of the first half and opening seconds of the second half.

The pass blocking for Georgia was also abhorrent. The Notre Dame pass rush sacked Gunner Stockton four times, stripping the ball from him twice. Georgia was ineffective on third and fourth down, going 2/12 on third and 0/3 on fourth.

Rise and shine Georgia fans! The Bulldogs play in their first College Football Playoff matchup this evening! It's a New Year, and the Georgia Bulldogs are set to begin their postseason quest for the national title as they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Has Notre Dame football ever beaten Georgia? Here's what to know of the Fighting Irish's all-time record and series history vs. the Bulldogs:

Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith made one of the Bulldogs' only big plays in UGA's 23-10 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl. After the game, Smith gave credit to Notre Dame,

The Georgia Bulldogs are just days away from their highly anticipated matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The winner of this game will advance to the College Football Playoff Semifinal and be one step closer to playing in the national championship.