Georgia head coach Kirby Smart before Georgia’s game against Kentucky on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
Georgia
2023 Results: 13-1, 8-1 SEC
2024 Projection: 12-1, 7-1 SEC
Overview:
If Florida has the toughest schedule, Georgia’s has to be right behind it. Road trips to Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss along with neutral site games against Clemson and Florida highlight the games away from Athens, just to name a few of the challenges on the slate. The Dawgs lost narrowly to Alabama in the SEC Championship game last season and had to sit at home without a chance to defend their back-to-back national championships. With the 12-team format now in place, I don’t think that will be an issue in 2024.
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- Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) during Georgia’s game against Missouri on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (Tony Walsh/UGAAA)
Offense:
Carson Beck returns to lead the offense at quarterback and Florida running back transfer, Trevor Etienne will be electrifying behind the dawgs in the Classic City. They lose Brock Bowers at tight end, but Oscar Delp certainly looks capable of having a breakout year to fill those shoes. Dominic Lovett highlights an explosive receiver group. With four starters returning on the offensive line, and a bunch of young players who gained experience last season, the boys in red and black won’t have problems scoring this season.
Defense:
Talent and experience are returning on the defensive line and linebacking positions, and five-star talent has arrived to replace the three secondary players lost to the NFL draft in Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden. Smart has recruited so well, it’s hard to imagine a drop-off, and players like linemen Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson, and linebacker Mykel WIlliams are just a few names you will hear called a lot this season for wreaking havoc on offenses.
Special Teams:
The kicking game returns starting punter Brett Thorson and placekicker Peyton Woodring. The latter got steadier and steadier as the season went along while Thorson has been the picture of consistency. The return game wasn’t flashy last season, but Anthony Evans III’s speed could deliver big-play potential.
Final Thoughts:
Kirby Smart is now running unchecked in the SEC after the retirement of Nick Saban. I don’t see things slowing down in Athens anytime soon and this roster is capable of bringing home another national title. Even if they stumble a time or two in the regular season, it’s hard to imagine the Dawgs falling outside of the top 12, and as long as they are on the field, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
