Georgia should have mixed emotions over this pass-rushing package duo leaving the SEC

It is not the end of the world, but it sure is something. On Monday evening, a pair of male inseparables from Montgomery decided to take their pass-rushing talents over to the Big Ten. That is right. Former Alabama edge rushers James Smith and Qua Russaw committed to Ohio State. They played high school ball in the state capital before coming to Alabama as a package deal, leaving as one as well...

On3's Hayes Fawcett touched on the former five-stars coming out of high school going to Ohio State.

To be totally transparent, it never felt like Georgia was an overwhelming favorite to land either of them. This was kind of more centered around the fact that Georgia could take advantage of the mass exodus out of Tuscaloosa after Kalen DeBoer's second season on the job. For that, maybe it is a good thing Smith and Russaw left for the Big Ten. Then again, Georgia may have to beat Ohio State in 2026.

Keep in mind Georgia will play Alabama for the third regular season in a row next fall in Tuscaloosa...

Georgia sees James Smith and Qua Russaw leave Alabama for Ohio State

At this stage of the game, maybe Kirby Smart, Glenn Schumann, and the rest of the defensive staff do not have time for this dog and pony show pertaining to Smith and Russaw? While both were sensational prospects coming out of high school, Smith has turned out to be the far better performer in college football. Going to a top-heavy Big Ten could allow both of them to achieve all of their goals.

For now, Georgia has to look at Alabama losing both players coming off the edge as a positive, while also fully recognizing that there might have been a missed opportunity as well... Regardless, the transfer portal closes for teams like Georgia on Friday, Jan. 16. We are in the midst of a dead-period, so keep that in mind as well. At this time, it is all about figuring out what guys will be playing for UGA.

From the looks of it, Georgia feels like effectively a lock to make the College Football Playoff for the third year in a row. The Bulldogs do not play the most difficult SEC schedule, and it is now a nine-game schedule, plus, Georgia Tech in the non-conference. This team should win 10 or more games for the umpteenth year in a row. However, this team needs to get better at getting after the passer.

Smith and Russaw may have great success playing for Matt Patricia, but Georgia may not face them...