The Georgia Bulldogs at the Midpoint – A Look Back and a Peek Ahead
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ATHENS - Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have made it seven games into the 2022 season with five potential season-altering contests left.
Our beloved Dawgs are the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. We have seen ups and downs so far, but the 2022 version of Kirby’s unstoppable force is pretty much where we hoped they’d be. Coming off a national championship, most of us felt there would be some sort of regression. Losing so many talented players to the NFL will do that. However, here we are - No. 1 again. Our most hated rival awaits, followed by what could be the most monumental game of the season in all of college football.
But before we look to the next few weeks, I’d like to take a quick look back. Specifically, I want to go back to 10 questions I posed prior to the Oregon game. Some were serious while others may have been a little tongue in cheek. But I submit to you that what we thought may be a strength or weakness of this team may not have played out the way we envisioned. That’s football... hell, that’s life. Along with a short narrative, I’ll do my best to assign the most realistic grade possible.
My first question centered on defensive depth and whether UGA would have it or not. After seven games I think that question has been answered with a resounding YES. The arrival of players like Bear Alexander, Rian Davis and Trezman Marshall (among others) shows just how good this staff is at recruiting and developing talent to contribute.
With injuries to Jalen Carter and Smael Mondon that requisite depth would be challenged. Those players that started in their absence, and the others that provided the second line of depth, have performed admirably. They have made plays and have also gotten better each game. This portends well for the remaining five contests prior to a potential conference championship game appearance and playoff berth. GRADE – A.
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Next, I asked how long it would take for us to get a good feel for this defense. I also asked when the last time Kirby fielded a bad defense. We saw in the Oregon game just how good this defense could be. We have actually seen it all season, replete with two shutouts. While this defense has struggled to get to the quarterback (only seven sacks) they lead the conference in pass defense as well as run defense. This is a particularly good defense that just seems to swallow the opposing offense. They are fast and relentless. And they are getting better every week. GRADE – A.
Third, and somewhat tongue in cheek, I posited about the effect of Tate Ratledge’s mullet on the offensive line performance. I genuinely thought his insertion into the starting lineup after a lost season due to injury would be the catalyst for a breakout offensive performance week in and week out. Looking back on the first seven games, the offensive line has struggled at times although the last two weeks have shown a marked improvement. To be fair, Ratledge has been at the forefront of some of that struggle. Coming back from injury and not playing for a year is difficult, and the positive signs from the Auburn and Vandy games point to continued upward movement. I would like to see more consistency, however. GRADE – B (-).
Question 4 focused on the skill players. Specifically, would the WR corps be able to exploit man coverage due to the focus placed on the stacked tight end room? This is a complicated assessment. AD Mitchell’s injury, Ladd’s yips, Arian Smith’s preseason injury and Arik Gilbert’s long and tortured road have really muddied the waters here. We have seen recent occurrences of Dillon Bell’s development along with Dom Blaylock’s emergence. However, looking the question again begs a solid answer, and that answer is… not as well as we need, but help may be on the way. GRADE – B (-).
Stetson Bennett’s leap was the focus of the fifth question. How much better could he be this season after taking first team reps in the spring and fall camp? If you go by passer rating alone, the leap is evident. If you go by touchdown passes, maybe not. I’ll say this… with the injuries at receiver and offensive line inconsistency that’s tied to running game challenges, I’m rather shocked at how well this offense has statistically performed. Stetson has missed on some passes, and the shoulder injury doesn’t help. But he’s guided this team to a 7-0 start and returning playmakers portend better scoring success going forward. GRADE – A (-).
The Georgia Bulldogs WIN the 2021 NATIONAL TITLE!
Check out DAWGSTRUCTION NOW!
Sixth was how quickly Malachi Starks would be in the starting lineup. And wow, did that happen quickly. I believe he’s started games 2 through 7 and is proving to be every bit as good as advertised. He’s an integral part of what is arguably the best safety combination in college football. He’s had some “wow” plays along with the occasional head scratcher. That’s what you get with a true freshman. But let those words sink in… he’s a true freshman starting on the No. 1 ranked team. Pretty impressive. GRADE – A.
Question 7 was solely a selfish question on my part… would my home renovation in Athens be done by the bye week? The answer is sadly NO. It is, however, progressing well, and we have a potential move in date after the Tennessee game. It is driving me a little nuts though. I miss my stuff. I did not bring sweatpants when we packed up to leave D.C. because I didn’t think I’d need them. How’s that working out for me right now? I miss my bed. I miss my smoker. I miss MY STUFF! However, I am eternally grateful for my sister and brother in law’s graciousness and unlimited generosity for letting us stay in their house (rent free) until we can move in. We could not do this without them. And it’s going to be amazing once the reno is complete. GRADE – Incomplete.
I next asked how many hurt feelings Jalen Carter would create this season. We did see in the Oregon game just how much havoc he can cause, and how he can embarrass a grown man. The ankle injury robbed us of several games and the cheap chop block by the Missouri right tackle set him back weeks. We all anxiously await his return to the field, especially in the part of the season where UGA will need his disruptiveness. Ryan got a bye on charting the hurt feelings on TikTok, by the way. GRADE – Incomplete.
Hot takes were the focus of question 9, and boy have they been aplenty. It is rare these days to see actual analysis that informs an opinion. It seems some teams get a whitewash of their foibles while others (read UGA) get called out. Whatevs... but the latest drivel from the “experts” (sarcasm font) is comparing Tennessee to the 2019 LSU championship team. I get it but come on. That LSU team actually played some defense. I know these pundits are creating conversation, but they almost seem as delusional as some fanbases. GRADE – A big fat F.
The final question centered on the use of mouthpieces by skill players. Like, why do you have it if you’re not going to use it? I still see it. Drives me nuts. And I don’t get it. GRADE – D.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Looking forward to the final five games (which is hard to believe we are already at that point) I think there are a three of key areas that bear watching. First is the potential and needed return of AD Mitchell. Combined with a healthy Arian Smith, his return could open more opportunities for Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington to create havoc on a defense. Having proven playmakers will also help the running game.
The second area is the continued improvement of the offensive line. Four of the next five opponents will require stellar line play, especially against Tennessee. Creating running lanes and protecting Stetson will allow the offense to possess the ball for longer periods of time, thus limiting the number of opponent chances against this defense. This late in the season, that is a winning formula.
Finally, the potential return of Jalen Carter and his impact on the defensive line should create more pass rush opportunities. Carter’s ability to play various positions on the defensive line and to create havoc at all of them will demand double teams leaving other players in mano y mano situations. I do not think you can understate Carter’s impact. If these three areas play out positively, I see no reason this team can’t win the conference and be well placed in the playoff. The Dawgs have played reasonably well so far, and I don’t think we’ve seen them at their best… yet. And if we have not seen them at their best our remaining opponents are in a world of hurt.
I try to watch as much football as I can without trying my wonderful wife’s patience. I’ve watched Bama – not impressed, even before last week’s debacle in Knoxville. Ole Miss, while undefeated, has holes. Tennessee can’t cover anyone. Ohio State is good, but the toughest part of their schedule awaits. Michigan has been the only team that caused me to raise my eyebrows a little. They run the ball well and play physical defense. Clemson is… Clemson. I watch them, and I’m like “meh”. TCU, UCLA and Syracuse are great storylines to follow, but each has serious question marks. USC is not fully back. Oregon is playing as well as anyone since their opening game Dawgstruction in the ‘Benz. Can Utah challenge them and further muddy the playoff picture?
I don’t have any answers to the other contenders, so no hot takes here. All I know is that college football is so much fun to watch each week. You truly never know what game is going to become an eyebrow raiser. Where our Dawgs stand seven games in is about where we thought they would be with some great games approaching. I certainly don’t look past Florida because how could we? There is true hate there, even with Tennessee looming large.
The cowbell-equipped Bulldogs and Wildcats will be good tests for the focus and resilience of this team. Tech is… a practice game. Every goal for this team is within reach, and this team has shown an incredible ability to refocus and avoid complacency coming off a national championship. Color me impressed by the coaching staff and these players. So much football remains for us to enjoy, lose our minds over, and to argue on The Porch.
The bye week gives us all a chance to take a knee, drink some water, and exhale. The best part of the season awaits starting next weekend in Jacksonville.