From improving the pass rush to finding a go-to receiver, Georgia has a few areas it could shore up this season.
And while making it all the way to the national championship, much less winning it, takes countless contributions and things going right, the DawgNation team was asked to narrow it down and answer this question, or rather fill in this blank: “Georgia will have its best shot at a national championship if...”
This roundtable was featured in the Aug. 21 newsletter as a part of “Feature Fridays,” where each Friday the staff will chime in on anything from football to tailgating to their wildest sports memories.
You can subscribe to the newsletter here, and check out our answers below:
Mike Griffith: “ ... the Bulldogs’ rushing attack proves the best in the nation behind its powerful offensive line, because establishing the run game will open up the sort of play-action passing game that triggers explosive pass plays and keeps the team in positive down-and-distance situations that put defenses in run-pass conflict situations, unable to decipher if the play call is a run or a pass. A strong run game also increases red zone touchdown efficiency while also enabling UGA to control time of possession and keep opposing offenses off of the field.”
Jeff Sentell: “As much as I’d like to get analytical and weave a point that involves a long-lost 1,000-yard receiver or rusher, it’s simpler than that … Georgia needs to be healthy in the playoffs. The Dawgs have had teams in each of the last three seasons that could have won titles. They’ve annually had one of the top four rosters in college football, but crippling injuries to Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, Carson Beck, Drew Bobo and Gabe Harris have all happened in successive playoff years. Let’s see what they can do without losing a difference maker in December and January. Availability. That’s the ability the Dawgs need to win it all in Las Vegas in 2027.”
Connor Riley: “ … Gunner Stockton finds a few pass catchers he trusts. Georgia doesn’t have a Brock Bowers or George Pickens on this team. It’s also good enough elsewhere so that the Bulldogs don’t need them. But multiple players, be it Isiah Canion, London Humphreys, Talyn Taylor, Lawson Luckie or Jaden Reddell, need to show they can make plays at critical junctions during big games.”
Sarah Spencer: “ … Georgia’s pass rush takes a big step forward. The Bulldogs tallied 20 sacks last season, the fewest in the SEC and the lowest in the Kirby Smart era. Keeping opposing quarterbacks further off-balance will be key. I think Georgia has the talent to do this and am looking for big seasons from Elijah Griffin and Chris Cole, who led Georgia in sacks with 4.5 last year.”
Cody Chaffins: “... Gunner Stockton is in New York in December. That means he’s taken the next step throwing the ball over the middle of the field. That also means wide receivers have emerged to help him out.”
