Interesting take. I see it the other way. If Clemmons loses, do they really have another quality win opportunity. Especially if Georgia doesn’t win the East or if Georgia blows them out. I tend to agree Clemmons won’t drop far and still be in position to make the top 4, but I’m not sure they would make it.
If Georgia loses, I think it’s likely they lose to Alabama and maybe even Florida. Even if they win the East, with 2-3 losses it’s going to be difficult to get back in. They could beat Alabama in Atlanta, but being behind Clemmons would increase their chances of being left out.
A one loss SEC team with a conference championship almost always gets in. A 2 loss team is difficult, but not impossible. A 3 loss team isn’t going. If Georgia loses to Clemmons, they’ll have to beat Alabama at least once and maybe twice and not have any other slip ups. I’ll admit most of this acknowledges the game is bigger for Georgia.
I just think this is Clemmons whole season. Lose this and you’re easily behind 1-2 SEC teams for a playoff spot. That’s not counting the Big 10 or Big 12 possibly having an undefeated team. That doesn’t leave a lot of room for error.