The Georgia football program has made a big leap under Kirby Smart, and fans should soak in all the success while they have the opportunity.
The Georgia football offseason is quickly approaching with just the Sugar Bowl game against Baylor left, and fans have started to express their frustrations with the season along with changes they would like to see made.
It is understandable for fans to have a slightly bitter taste left in their mouths from this season, as the offense at times was very difficult to watch and the Bulldogs’ performance in the SEC Championship Game seemed as if nothing was going their way.
Instead of focusing on all of the negatives it would be better for Dawg fans to look at where Kirby Smart has taken this football program.
Georgia Bulldogs Football
Five years ago the topic of discussion was wanting to be relevant, competing for SEC titles, and having a shot at the National Championship every year.
Georgia in return hired a new coach to help accomplish those wants and needs. Outside of his first season, Coach Smart has done all of those things. Since 2017, Georgia has played for SEC titles, been in a position to go to the College Football Playoff, and was even one play away from being National Champs. We won’t talk about that though.
Since Kirby took over the program Bulldog fans have also been able to see Deandre Baker win the Jim Thorpe award, Roquan Smith win the Butkus Award, and most recently see Rodrigo Blankenship win the Lou Groza award. All of these players being the first in school history to win those awards.
For three years straight, Kirby has led Georiga to SEC East championships. Nick Saban can’t even say he has done that in the last three years nor can he say he has played in Atlanta for three years in a row.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to win a National Championship and that should always be the ultimate goal for the Bulldogs, but that does not mean fans should take for granted the success Georgia is having.
If Georgia football fans were all told in 2015 that in the next four seasons the Bulldogs would have three division titles, an SEC Championship, a college football playoff berth, an appearance in the National Championship game, and three trips to a New Year’s Six bowl, the overwhelming response would have likely been, “SIGN ME UP!!!”
The goal of being national champions has not yet been achieved but there is no one better for the job to achieve that goal for Georgia than Kirby Smart.
Recruiting classes are consistently top three in the nation and it is obvious kids want to come play for the University of Georgia. The process can be frustrating at times but fans shouldn’t allow the downs to distract them from all the ups that their beloved team has achieved.
There is nothing wrong with wanting more from the team you cheer for but you also can’t forget where Georgia started at the beginning of this transformation.
Remember, there are six other teams in our division that would love to be in the position we are and have three straight division titles under their belt. Enjoy the success, because it never lasts forever.