Reflecting on every exciting Georgia football opening victory under Kirby Smart

The Kirby Smart Year 3 opener saw Georgia football blow out its opponent

2018: Georgia beat Austin Peay 45-0

In 2018, the Dawgs were out to prove that their run to the national championship game last season was no fluke. However, they would go into the year without a long list of talented players like Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Roquan Smith, Isaiah Wynn, and Lorenzo Carter.

Jake Fromm returned as the starting quarterback but faced some competition in camp, with Justin Fields committing to his home state school.

Other elite players were entering their freshmen year in 2018 — Jordan Davis, Zamir White, James Cook, Jamaree Salyer, Quay Walker, Channing Tindall, Devonte Wyatt, and many more. Though many of these guys did not see much playing time in 2018, they continued to develop and eventually helped the team win a national championship four years later.

But for now, Georgia was looking to win their season opener against the Austin Peay Governors.

The game started as you would expect it to — Georgia scored on all six of their offensive drives in the first half. Both Fromm and Fields split time at quarterback, and many freshmen got the chance to play. James Cook ended up leading running backs with 66 rushing yards.

The Dawgs would score one more time in the second half and easily defeated the Governors 45-0. Georgia collected 508 total yards and allowed just 152. Fromm and Fields combined for 220 passing yards and three touchdowns.

2018 would be Fromm’s best statistical season, as he threw 30 touchdown passes and had a quarterback rating of 171.2. He would get most of the snaps at the position despite fans calling for Fields to play more often.

Georgia finished with an 11-3 record winning their second consecutive SEC East division title. Still, they dropped another heartbreaker to Alabama and lost a disappointing game to Texas in the Sugar Bowl.