ATHENS — Nothing is ever a given where SEC football is concerned. But Georgia’s path to the SEC Championship Game may be smoother than originally thought.
The No. 3-ranked Bulldogs (2-0) were considered by most everyone to be the class of the SEC East Division before the season started.
But now, with Georgia stars emerging each game and other SEC East teams faltering and experiencing personnel issues, things look better than ever for Coach Kirby Smart.
The Bulldogs biggest question marks entering the season were at receiver, tight end, and on the defensive line. The emergence of freshman George Pickens has highlighted the receivers. At tight end, Tennessee transfer Eli Wolf has stepped up, providing a speedy (4.59) receiving threat and more than adequate blocking.
The Georgia defensive line is playing assignment sound, and the pass rush has gotten a boost from the talented outside linebackers room, which Smart considers an extension of the D-Line.
Meanwhile, South Carolina and Kentucky have lost their starting quarterbacks to season-ending injuries. At Tennessee, an 0-2 start triggered coach Jeremy Pruitt to use a “Titanic” analogy as it related to his team’s level of in-house adversity and unrest.
Florida and Missouri might still post a challenge, but both the Gators and Tigers have had early season struggles.
For more conversation on what’s going right for the Bulldogs and wrong for the rest of the SEC — along with some College Football Playoff predictions — check out this week’s “On The Beat” segment.
Georgia football rising
DawgNation Georgia-Arkansas State week
Georgia football OLB Nolan Smith plays like ‘wild man’
“Shifty” James Cook impressing everyone
George Pickens growing into go-to role already
