The Bulldogs' defense stole the show last year. Posting what many to believe was the greatest defensive season in college football history. After losing nine starters on defense to the NFL draft its clear that the offense will have to shoulder more of the load this season. But how?
Georgia's offense was no slouch last year. They averaged 38.6 ppg, which was ranked ninth in the nation. Two running backs, James Cook and Zamir White, who both rushed for over 700 yards and at least five touchdowns. Tight end, Brock Bowers, led the way in the receiving category with 882 yards and 13 touchdowns. There in lies the problem with this offense.
UGA never seems to have the elite pass catchers that other SEC schools do. Brock Bowers is a tremendous player but still a tight end. Teams that win titles, consistently, don't run their offense through that position. In today's era of football, you need dynamic receivers—something Georgia has not had since AJ Green.
Now, George Pickens likely would have been a star but injuries caused him to miss the majority of the season before being drafted. Without Pickens, no receiver on this team caught more than 30 catches. Jermaine Burton led the way with just 497 receiving tards. This year, with Stetson Bennett back at QB, Georgia is going to have to push the ball down the field.
They no longer have a once-in-a-generation type defense, and simply being dominant in the run game will not be enough to prove that last year's championship was the status quo and not an anomaly.
Players like Dominick Blaylock and Adonai Mitchell will need to stay healthy and take huge steps in becoming threats that defenses have to account for if the Bulldogs want to repeat as champs.
