In sports media, we like to focus in on storylines that are interesting. Storylines that move the needle. Every day we shout about big stories, big names and big positions in the world of sports.
Quarterbacks, running backs, head coaches, offensive coordinators all get a majority of our time and attention because they are the most important people on any football team.
When it comes to Georgia we do this literally everyday. Hell, I’ve done this countless times at this station. What are the biggest stories with Georgia week in and week out?
Easy, Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift, Kirby Smart and James Coley the Offensive Coordinator.
Here’s the problem with these narratives with Georgia this year. None of these people are the reason UGA is a top 10 team and in prime position to make another SEC Title Game run.
However, looking back over the first 8 games, we do all realize that Georgia’s defense is the real MVP here right?
If Georgia’s defense wasn’t even remotely as good as they are right now, UGA would have 2-3 losses already.
Listen to these stats through 8 games:
- Georgia’s defense hasn’t allowed an opponent to score more than 17 points.
- Georgia’s defense has not allowed a rushing touchdown.
- Georgia’s defense ranks 2 in red zone defense.
- 4th in rushing defense.
- 4th in scoring defense.
- 8th in total defense.
- 11th in third-down defense and
- 14th in pass efficiency defense.
All of those lead the SEC except pass efficiency where they are second.
Let me translate all of those ridiculous numbers for you in simple English. It’s not because of Jake Fromm or D’Andre Swift that Georgia is ranked in the top 10.
Without this Georgia defense the Dawgs would have already had 3 losses. Notre Dame, USC and probably Florida.
Here’s the moral of the story. Sometimes, we have to set aside our infatuation with the “big names” and “big stars” of a football team and give some respect to the real heroes.
Jake Fromm, D’Andre Swift, Kirby Smart, James Coley. They are all fun to talk about and people love defending or attacking them on any given Saturday. They will play an important role in winning or losing against Auburn in 2 weeks or winning and losing against Bama or LSU in the SEC Title Game.
However, when you look first look back at UGA’s first 8 games, the only reason they are where they are is because of that defense.
And when you look forward to their final 4 regular season games, they don’t stand a chance without the defense continuing to dominate each week.
