When the very first play from scrimmage by Georgia in their win over Tennessee State was a screen pass, some fans hit social media almost immediately. They became tired of screen passes to wide receivers very quickly last season while teams teams like Ohio State and Ole Miss are winning games with deep shots and chunk gains. Georgia instead killed teams with short gains and repetition.
Zachariah Branch broke Georgia's single-season record for total receptions because of it. Since Gunner Stockton threw for only an average of 12.6 yards per pass, fans have been worried that it is going to be the same story in 2026. However, it is only week one. Do not hit the panic button, and here is why.
Screens in Week 1 is strategy, not complacency
Georgia opens the season against two light opponents, Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. After that it is a gauntlet of a 9-game SEC run capped off with a home game against Georgia Tech. For tough games like Oklahoma at home in week four, it wouldn’t be wise to show other teams their best plays.
It is strategy on Mike Bobo's part to be more conservative, just because you can be. Leave a game with a win as easily as they will let you. Don't risk players getting hurt in record-breaking heat to try and prove a point to the media.
When it comes to playing a team like Tennessee State, Georgia has the speed and talent to make them hurt without pushing the ball downfield. The speed of guys like Talyn Taylor was evident and on display. For many of these receivers, it was their first game starting ever. For some, they had their first reception in college football. There is no better way to get these young guys adjusted than pick-and-pop plays.
Even with the screens, we still saw downfield action in this game. Jeremy Bell brought in a 54-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter on a deep go route. If Georgia wanted to air it out they could have done so pretty easily against Tennessee State. But there really isn’t a point to do it.
The strategy was evident in week one by Bobo and the coaching staff. Go in, get the win, and go home. It worked, and it worked very well. Georgia scored 63 points and put on an offensive clinic. Stockton had a 94 percentage completion percentage in less than two quarters of play. Be happy and know that Georgia's offense is in great hands.
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