Through their first quarter of the season, the Georgia Bulldogs have passed all of their tests. While they have not exactly been with flying colors, few teams have the resume they do through three weeks. This is a team with two dominant home wins in the non-conference, albeit over not the best competition. More importantly, they won their first conference game on the road over a ranked rival.
No doubt about it, the thrilling 44-41 overtime victory over the Tennessee Volunteers was a game the Dawgs probably should not have won. Tennessee largely outplayed them. However, a continued commitment to the running game and being slightly more physical down the stretch are why the Dawgs are 3-0 and the Vols are 2-1. The best part is Georgia does not have to play next weekend.
Yes, Georgia will be on the first of its two annual byes this season. To be quite frank, the timing could not be more perfect. They will be hosting perpetual nemesis Alabama Between the Hedges during primetime in two weeks. Alabama will also have a bye, but the Crimson Tide are coming off a breezy victory over lowly Wisconsin. Georgia always gets a bye before Florida, so getting one here is sweet!
With an extra week to prepare, here is what Georgia needs to work on to improve to 4-0 this season.
Georgia should thank its lucky stars for having its first bye in Week 3
From an overall offensive standpoint, the offensive line needs to find a greater sense of cohesion. Tennessee has a great pass rush, but so does the Crimson Tide. Yes, this game will be at home, a place where Georgia has yet to lose since before COVID. Then again, Alabama has owned the Dawgs for the better part of two decades. Something has to give, but the home team has the upper hand.
When it comes to the defense, what on god's green earth was that from the secondary? Joey Aguilar carved them up all afternoon long. Yes, he did throw a couple of picks, but that type of play cannot continue against a strong Alabama passing offense. Ty Simpson looked the part at quarterback on Saturday vs. Wisconsin. He had a field day getting the football to Germie Bernard and Ryan Williams.
Overall, the biggest area where Georgia needs to get better is in the coaching department. Kirby Smart may be the best head coach in college football, but his two coordinators of note largely let him down on Saturday. What exactly is the point of Glenn Schumann? Mike Bobo had a better day, but he is often everyone's favorite scapegoat. In truth, offensive line coach Stacy Searels is the real issue.
For Georgia to come out of the bye in tip-top shape, the coaching staff needs to take accountability.