Georgia 2021 Football Preview

2020 Recap

Georgia began the 2020 season with a familiar formula. The Bulldogs were led by a strong defense and a steady but conservative offense and one their first three games. Arkansas, Auburn and Tennessee were unable to consistently challenge the defense and couldn’t force the offense out of it’s comfort zone.

That would change in two of the next three games, as Alabama and Florida were able to score against the defense and force the offense to make plays. In the end Georgia was unable to score enough to keep up and lost those two games 41 – 24 and 44 – 28. It was clear that against better competition the formula needed to be tweaked.

JT Daniels took over at quarterback after the loss to Florida and led the Bulldogs on a three game stretch where they averaged 41.7 points per game winning the last three games of the regular season. The Bulldogs faced Cincinnati in the Peach Bowl and won a tight game 24 – 21. With Daniels back to lead the offense in 2021, there is hope that the Bulldogs can be a contender this season.

2020 Leaders

Projected Starters

Reasons For Optimism

The JT Daniels Impact

The end of the 2020 season saw JT Daniels take over at quarterback and lead the Bulldogs to a 4 – 0 record to finish the season. Daniels was a clear upgrade over his predecessors at the position and helped elevate the offense to new heights. He completed over 67 percent of his passes, averaged over 10.3 yards per attempt and had a 10 to 2 touchdown to interception ratio. The offense went from averaging 29 points per game without Daniels to 37.3 points per game with Daniels. This improvement and Daniels’ strong play could be the key to Georgia being able to keep up with some of the more high powered offenses in college football.

A Strong Defensive Front

Georgia has one of the best defenses in the country year in and year out. They have recruited plenty of top end talent and have a stacked defense heading into 2021, particularly in the front seven. Jordan Davis anchors the defense and though he doesn’t show up in the stat sheet very often, he holds the line in the center of the defense and provides the play-makers behind him with space to pursue the ball. Jalen Carter proved he can play as a true freshman and can be very disruptive on the interior of the defense. Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith and Adam Anderson will lead a diverse and athletic group of linebackers that can rush the passer and stop the run effectively. Georgia’s defensive front will provide a strong foundation for the defense and stifle the opposing running game while also creating a good pass rush.

Versatility Among Pass Catchers

When Georgia lost George Pickens to a knee injury it was a big blow to their passing offense. Pickens is difficult to replace as an individual talent, but the Bulldogs have added to their receiver group and will have a diverse group that creates match-up problems. The big addition came when Arik Gilbert decided to transfer from LSU to Athens. Gilbert is a tight end who also has the athleticism to play as a big receiver. Gilbert and tight end Darnell Washington will give Georgia a pair of physically dominating tight ends that can be on the field at the same time and be used in a variety of positions. Jermaine Burton and Kearis Jackson are more traditional receivers. They both already proved they can make big plays and help stretch the field with their athleticism. Georgia also has added the tall and athletic Adonai Mitchell who has the potential to be a big play threat on the outside. Add in the potential return of big play slot receiver, Dominick Blaylock and it’s clear that Georgia has plenty of quality targets in the passing game.

Causes For Concern

Will Georgia Really Open Up the Offense?

On paper, Georgia has the talent to have a dynamic offense that puts pressure on the defense in every way. Sometimes it’s difficult for a program and coaching staff to stray from their established identity and allow the talent on paper to excel on the field. Georgia has relied on their strong defense and running game during the Kirby Smart era. It will be a big change for the coaching staff to start taking chances and being more aggressive on offense. Georgia has the talent on the roster to make the switch, but it’s not easy to change the identity a coaching staff has established. When push comes to shove, most coaches return to their comfort zone. For Georgia to reach the lofty expectations they have this season, Kirby Smart will have to get comfortable with a new style of offense.

Replacing Key Losses in the Secondary

Georgia’s defense has been so good the past few seasons it’s difficult to question any part of the unit. Georgia did lose four defensive backs from the 2020 team to the NFL Draft and saw their starting nickel, Tyrique Stevenson transfer to Miami. Replacing both starting cornerbacks, a starting safety, the starter at the nickel spot and a key rotational player is a tall order for any defense. Luckily for Georgia they were able to add West Virginia transfer, Tykee Smith this off-season. He will start at one of the safety spots or at the nickel spot for Georgia this year. Georgia also added former Clemson cornerback, Derrion Kendrick, but he will have to prove he is on Stokes and Campbell’s level as a cornerback. The secondary will have to replace all of that talent and gel for Georgia to reach it’s potential in 2021.

2021 Schedule

Top 25 Players

2021 Projection

Georgia’s schedule opens with what will likely be their toughest regular season game against Clemson. The neutral site game will be a match-up of two of the favorites in college football and will be an early season treat for fans, but a big test for both teams. Georgia’s schedule breaks favorably after that, with their crossover games coming at Auburn and home against Arkansas. Georgia will meet rival Florida on October 30th, but has the benefit of a bye the week before that game. They will close their season with a trip to in-state rival Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets will be big underdogs against Georgia. The Bulldogs have a talented team, an excellent quarterback and a schedule that sets them up well to win the SEC. The Bulldogs should be able to get to eleven wins and book a trip to the SEC Championship game with a playoff spot on the line.