As the 2024 college football season progresses, the Georgia Bulldogs have maintained a winning record, but fans and analysts alike are starting to question whether this year’s team can live up to the lofty expectations set by previous squads. Despite their ranking and consistent success under head coach Kirby Smart, this Georgia team appears to be facing more challenges than in recent years. The combination of a shaky offense, a weak running game, and an average defense has led many to believe that this Bulldogs team is not as dominant as fans have come to expect.
The Running Game is Weak
Georgia football has long been known for its dominant ground game. From legends like Herschel Walker to more recent stars like Nick Chubb and Zamir White, the Bulldogs have traditionally thrived on a punishing run-first offense. However, this season, the running game has been far from elite. Injuries to key running backs, including Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards, have left the backfield lacking depth and explosiveness.
While Edwards has shown flashes of brilliance, averaging over 5 yards per carry in several games, Georgia hasn’t been able to consistently lean on its rushing attack. The offensive line, which is usually one of the best in the nation, has struggled at times to open up lanes for the running backs. Without a reliable ground game to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses, Georgia’s offense has become one-dimensional, placing more pressure on the passing attack.
Defense: Average by Georgia Standards
In recent years, Georgia’s defense has been its calling card. The 2021 and 2022 defenses were some of the most dominant in college football history, filled with future NFL stars like Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and Jalen Carter. This year, however, the defense has not lived up to that same standard.
While Georgia’s defense is still good compared to most teams, it has been average by the program’s high standards. The pass rush hasn’t been as ferocious, and the secondary has shown vulnerability in key moments. Opponents have been able to exploit gaps in Georgia’s defense, something that would have been unthinkable just a couple of years ago. Players like Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Malaki Starks are still making impactful plays, but the unit lacks the overwhelming force that used to shut down teams.
Mike Bobo’s Offense is Shaky
Another point of concern is the offense under Mike Bobo, who returned as offensive coordinator after the departure of Todd Monken. Bobo’s offense has shown flashes of creativity, but it has also been inconsistent. While quarterback Carson Beck has performed admirably in his first year as the starter, the lack of a strong running game has limited the offense’s balance, and Beck has faced more pressure to carry the team.
Bobo’s play-calling has come under scrutiny as well. In several games, the Bulldogs have struggled to establish a rhythm on offense, with drives stalling at critical moments. Against more competitive teams, these inconsistencies could lead to trouble. The offense hasn’t been as explosive or efficient as in previous years, and that lack of continuity has raised concerns about how well Georgia can compete against top-tier SEC competition or in the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion: A More Vulnerable Georgia Team
While the Georgia Bulldogs are still a good football team, this year’s squad feels more vulnerable and “average” compared to the dominant teams of the last few seasons. The running game is weaker than expected, the defense hasn’t reached the elite standard set in previous years, and the offense under Mike Bobo has struggled to find its footing at times. With tough SEC games on the horizon, the Bulldogs will need to find answers to these issues if they hope to defend their back-to-back national titles.
As fans watch this season unfold, there’s a growing sense that Georgia might not be the unstoppable force they’ve been in recent years. The team is certainly talented, but they have work to do to prove they can still compete at the highest level.