- Georgia’s aim to win a third national championship in four seasons ended quickly in the College Football Playoff.
During the quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl, the Bulldogs lost to Notre Dame 23-10. And so, the offseason begins for the SEC champions after a fascinating 11-3 season.
On one hand, it was disappointing. Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse that expects to contend for a national title every season, and the Dawgs fell short of that target in the expanded CFP format. They had a championship-caliber roster and didn’t get there.
But, again, that feeling as a product of the program’s success. Winning an SEC title is always a good thing.
The expectations in Athens won’t change this offseason as Smart and UGA retool a talented team.
Who’s Staying
Nate FrazierSteve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty
The Next Starting QB
Called into action after a season-ending elbow injury to Carson Beck, Gunner Stockton helped the Dawgs navigate Texas in the SEC Championship Game and started the Sugar Bowl. Stockton heads into winter workouts with a tentative grasp on the QB1 spot, although Jaden Rashada and others will be competing for that job.
High-Upside Backfield, Maybe
We know, barring a transfer, Nate Frazier will return in 2025. Through the SEC Championship Game, he’d rushed for a team-high 634 yards with eight touchdowns. And if UGA can keep Trevor Etienne, the backfield would be loaded with potential. Etienne may want to stick around and rehab his NFL draft stock following an injury-affected year.
Several All-SEC Players
Both the offense and defense must replace at least a handful of top contributors. However, the Dawgs return a few players who have already made a significant impact in a strong conference. That includes first-team All-SEC kicker Peyton Woodring, second-team center Jared Wilson and third-team punter Brett Thorson. Sure, those aren’t the most glamorous position, but they matter.
Who’s Leaving
Carson BeckDavid J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Leave a Reply