Yes, Georgia pulled out a 44-41 win against hated rival Tennessee, but even Kirby Smart admitted they didn't deserve to win. The Bulldogs improve their record and rose in the latest AP Poll, but the game exposed significant concerns leading into their home game against Alabama next week.
1. The secondary is haphazard
Two interceptions are a nice stat to have for the Bulldogs. But not against giving up 371 passing yards, with nearly half of those to Tennessee receiver Chris Brazelle who recorded 177 yards and three touchdowns as he was able to burn the Georgia secondary repeatedly on long balls.
In two weeks Georgia faces wunderkind Ryan Williams, who lit up Wisconsin for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Can the Georgia safeties and cornerbacks tighten up in Athens before one of the best wide receivers in the country comes to town?
2. The O-line was a revolving door
Two times in the red zone, run plays got stuffed by the Vols' defensive line. Tennessee also sacked Gunner Stockton four times and collected seven tackles for loss as well. Too many times Stockton also chose to scramble instead of staying in the pocket to make throws. Alabama's stout defense could have a field day between the hedges if the Bulldog offensive line doesn't toughen up.
3. Luck has an expiration date
Save for a bad swing of a kicker's leg, Georgia would have lost in Neyland Stadium. They got a lucky win and everyone knows it. Unfortunately for Georgia. luck will end at some point. See the January 2018 National Championship game. Alabama has a good quarterback and a hotshot receiver who can put up a lot of points. Coach Smart and the Bulldogs will have to have more than luck on their side if they are going to beat Alabama.
At least two of these can be addressed and fixed and if anyone can coach people up to an elite level, it's Smart. In a little over a week, Georgia fans will see if this year's team is actually for real, or just lucky.