Georgia Football Accomplishes Something It Has Never Done Under Kirby Smart
The Georgia Bulldogs have been a dominant force in college football since Kirby Smart took over as head coach in 2016. From national championships to SEC titles, Smart has elevated the program to unprecedented heights. However, in their most recent triumph, Georgia achieved something it had never done during Smart’s tenure, adding another milestone to the Bulldogs’ storied history.
This new accomplishment? Securing an undefeated regular season and winning the SEC Championship in the same year. While Georgia has enjoyed remarkable success over the years, the Bulldogs had not managed to pair a perfect regular-season record with an SEC title under Smart—until now.
Georgia’s 2024 season was a testament to the program’s consistency and depth. The Bulldogs navigated one of the toughest schedules in the nation, taking on top-tier opponents and emerging victorious in every game. Their dominance was on full display as they dismantled rivals, handled tough road environments, and maintained their poise in close matchups.
Kirby Smart’s team excelled in all facets of the game. Quarterback Carson Beck led a high-powered offense that combined explosive passing plays with a punishing ground game. Meanwhile, Georgia’s defense, long a hallmark of Smart’s coaching philosophy, continued to stifle opponents, forcing turnovers and shutting down some of the best offenses in the country.
Key wins over teams like Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Florida showcased Georgia’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. The Bulldogs’ balance and depth were unmatched, with contributions coming from star players and role players alike.
Georgia capped off its perfect regular season with a statement victory in the SEC Championship game. Facing a formidable opponent, the Bulldogs left no doubt about their dominance. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for over 300 yards, while Brock Bowers and the receiving corps made big plays downfield.
Defensively, Georgia was relentless, applying pressure on the opposing quarterback and shutting down the run game. The Bulldogs’ ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball proved to be the difference, as they cruised to a decisive win and secured the SEC title.
The victory marked Georgia’s third SEC Championship under Kirby Smart, but this one was unique. Unlike their previous titles in 2017 and 2022, this championship came on the heels of an undefeated regular season—something the Bulldogs had never accomplished in Smart’s eight years at the helm.
For Kirby Smart, this milestone is another feather in an already impressive cap. Since taking over in Athens, Smart has transformed Georgia into a perennial contender, winning back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and now achieving perfection in the regular season.
“This team has been relentless,” Smart said after the SEC Championship game. “They’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort and commitment. To go undefeated in the regular season and win the SEC title is a tremendous accomplishment, but we’re not done yet.”
Smart’s comments reflect Georgia’s championship mindset. While the Bulldogs can celebrate this achievement, their sights are firmly set on the College Football Playoff and the opportunity to add another national title to their résumé.
Achieving an undefeated regular season and winning the SEC Championship in the same year is no small feat, particularly in the highly competitive SEC. It underscores Georgia’s dominance and consistency, as well as Smart’s ability to maintain focus and discipline throughout a grueling schedule.
This milestone also places Georgia in elite company, as only a handful of programs have managed to accomplish this in the modern era of college football. It further cements Georgia’s status as the standard-bearer in the sport, with Smart leading the way.
With the regular season and SEC Championship in the rearview mirror, Georgia now turns its attention to the College Football Playoff. The Bulldogs enter as the top seed and heavy favorites, but the path to a national title is never easy.
The Bulldogs will rely on the same formula that brought them to this point: a balanced offense, a dominant defense, and an unwavering belief in their ability to win. If Georgia can maintain its focus and execution, they have a strong chance of completing the season with a perfect record and securing their third national championship in four years.
Georgia’s 2024 season has already been historic, and the Bulldogs’ latest accomplishment—a perfect regular season paired with an SEC Championship—only adds to their legacy. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has reached heights few programs can match, and this latest milestone is a testament to the culture of excellence he has built in Athens.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the College Football Playoff, one thing is clear: this team is on a mission, and they’re not satisfied yet. For Georgia fans, the journey continues, and the best may be yet to come.