Sitting at the top of the preseason AP Top 25 poll has it's pressure, as well as a moderate jinx, so Georgia starting the season in the top five is enough respect for what the Dawgs are capable of without putting them in the position of having a target on their back.
The preseason AP Poll was released on Monday and Georgia came in at No. 3, and for the ninth time in program history the Ohio State Buckeyes are the preseason No. 1, but that may be more of a curse than a blessing.
The previous eight times Ohio State began the season at No. 1 they failed to win the national championship. On top of that, 20 of the last 22 teams ranked No. 1 at the start of the season failed to win a national championship as well. There clearly is a big jinx that the Buckeyes will have to overcome this season if they are to win the national championship, but Georgia on the other hand has no jinx to worry about this year.
Georgia has been voted the preseason No. 1 team in the AP Poll three times in program history (2008, 2023, and 2024) and failed to win a national title in any of those seasons, although some would argue Georgia was robbed of a third consecutive title shot in 2023 by the CFP committee.
Avoiding the preseason No. 1 jinx puts Georgia in position to just focus on themselves
Georgia should be very happy landing at No. 3 in the preseason AP Poll. Not only does this confirm that the AP voters think they are a formidable team, but they don't have nearly as much pressure as Ohio State does entering this season. Instead they can focus on themselves without any added pressure.
The AP voters proclaimed that Ohio State is the favorite to win the national championship this season, and that pressure has cracked 20 of the last 22 preseason No. 1 teams.
Georgia, on the other hand, doesn't have that added pressure. Being recognized as one of the best teams in the country gives the team confidence without feeling like they have to maintain a No. 1 ranking.
Georgia won't have nearly the same level of external pressure as Ohio State now does to win the national championship, so Kirby Smart can use that to his advantage by helping his team focus on their individual goals and getting a little bit better each and every day.
Georgia's No. 3 ranking should bring back some fond memories
Instead of Ohio State being jinxed by being the No. 1 team in the country, Georgia's No. 3 ranking may have some good vibes surrounding it. Just a few years ago the Bulldogs were the No. 3 team in the country in the 2022 preseason AP Poll, and just a few months later they hoisted their second consecutive national championship trophy after a perfect 15-0 season.
Georgia's 2022 season has gone down as one of the greatest, if not the very best, season in Georgia football history. Their championship in 2021 may feel more special because it ended their 41-year drought, but the 2022 team did what the 2021 team couldn't do by going undefeated. That impressive run all began with a No. 3 ranking to open the season.
This year's team will try to mimic that success with a slightly better 16-0 record. Indiana became the first team to accomplish that last year, but this Georgia team has the ability to win all 16 games and hoist Kirby Smart's third national championship trophy.
A lot of players, coaches and fans are superstitious, so Georgia should be tickled to start the season at No. 3 and avoid the No. 1 jinx. For Georgia specifically the No. 3 ranking holds a special place in their heart after the 2022 season, so maybe lightning will strike twice and they'll come out on top and win another national championship again this season.
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