Are the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs Elite? Or Not?

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ATHENS - “You’re either elite, or you’re not.”

That was the theme for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs during the off-season last year and all throughout the 2021 season.

As it turns out, they were elite. The elite of the elite. The defense was one of the best in college football history, and the team proved to be elite as well, ending last season as national champions.

But what about the 2022 Bulldogs? According to FanDuel, the Bulldogs have +350 odds to win the national championship this upcoming season.

Sources who took in Georgia’s scrimmage over the weekend said that defensively, this year’s group is NOT elite. That shouldn’t be surprising as they’re missing multiple key starters from last year’s championship team. 

The offense COULD be elite, but only if they stay healthy and Stetson Bennett continues to do what he does best. Win ballgames.

As a team, it appears the Bulldogs ARE elite as we head closer to the 2022 season. I mean, the Bulldogs are ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s pre-season poll and have +350 odds to repeat as national champions according to FanDuel.

I would call that elite. But as we all know, pre-season polls aren’t an exact science. So while they enter the 2022 season as an elite team, there are still plenty of question marks that we could have answers too in just a few short weeks.

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Will the defense take small stop backwards? Or a considerable one?  Once close source told Dawg Post over the weekend that the defense “doesn’t seem as fast. They’re not flying around to the football”.

Is that because this current group will be compared to last years’ squad? Because that’s not entirely fair. They could still be one of the best defenses in the SEC as they continue to progress and learn, and if that’s the case, this team could absolutely make a run at another championship.

Are Georgia’s running backs elite? Is the receiving core elite?

The tight end room is. So if the offense line. Sources have HIGH expectations for those two groups this fall, and for good reason.

Is Kelee Ringo elite? Yes, he made one of the biggest plays in Bulldog history last year, but is he better than recent cornerbacks like Eric Stokes, Deandre Baker or Tyson Campbell? I’m not so sure. 

What about special teams? Kicking and punting don’t appear to be elite after the recent scrimmage over the weekend.

Of course, it was just one scrimmage, and it was one where the staff gave young players a real chance to learn and grow. We also learned that this team has plenty of potential. The defense should only get better as young players continue to develop, and if Georgia’s backs can stay healthy on offense, they shouldn’t have any problems scoring points throughout the season.

Last year’s team was elite. Could the 2022 Bulldogs be elite come December?

We’ll get a good idea in 20 days...