Saban says Georgia deserves playoff spot: 'I don't want to play them again'

Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered nothing but respect for Georgia following a thrilling comeback victory in the SEC championship game.

"They are one of the four best teams in the country," Saban told reporters after Saturday's win, according to The SEC Network's Tony Barnhart. "I don't want to play them again. That is the ultimate compliment I can give them."

The Crimson Tide erased a 14-point deficit to earn the conference title, potentially knocking the Bulldogs out of the College Football Playoff race.

Saban, however, doesn't support that possibility.

"Georgia is the best team we have played," he said.

Meanwhile, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart lobbied for his team to be included in the semifinals.

"Well, it boils down to one thing," Smart told reporters following the loss. "Do you want the four best teams in or not? It's that simple. (Alabama) sat at home last year and got to go in the (College Football Playoff) while everybody else is beating each other up, and they had a good football team.

"Give that coach across the sideline a vote who he doesn't want to play. He'll start with us. I promise you, you don't want to play us."

The Bulldogs ranked No. 4 in the CFP rankings heading into Saturday's slate but could be on the outside looking in when Sunday's final rankings are announced.