Kirby Smart (HC) – Coach Smart and the Bulldogs have completed what was an unbelievable season in so many ways. As the smoke around this wild college football season clears, his team finds themselves in the SEC Championship when it seemed improbable after the Ole Miss game. Smart has won this game twice, alongside his two national titles. After what was a thrilling Georgia Tech game last week, the Dawgs will battle it out yet again with Steve Sarkesian’s Longhorns for a secured spot in this years’ College Football Playoff.
Carson Beck (QB #15) – The Bulldogs’ quarterback wrapped up the regular season with 3,429 yards and a career-high 28 touchdown passes. While he might have faded away from the Heisman conversation as the season progressed, Bulldog Nation should be proud of their quarterback for fighting through this difficult season of ups-and-downs. In last week’s victory over the Jackets, Beck threw for nearly 300 yards and five touchdowns. Beck will be searching for another win and another step towards the College Football Playoff. If he can keep the turnovers away and play a clean game, the Dawgs should be in a great spot.
Nate Frazier (RB #3) – The freshman was called upon to score on the final play of the eighth overtime against Tech, rushing for the game-winning two-point conversion. While Trevor Etienne still sits on the sidelines, Frazier will continue in the starting role for the Bulldogs. The last time he played in the Benz, Frazier showed the nation his talents. He rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown in his first collegiate game (versus Clemson). Look for this player to have another eye-opening game on the national spotlight.
Arian Smith (WR #11) – Smith finished the regular season with the highest receiving total at 709 yards. In the Dawgs’ previous matchup with the Longhorns, the senior hauled in six catches for 32 yards in the road win. He and his fellow receivers will need to help Beck in finding explosive passing plays against the Longhorns’ secondary.
Dan Jackson (DB #17) – As the season sees its final games, this is one player that will certainly be missed next year. “Dirty Dan” has defined what it means to be a Junkyard Dawg in his time wearing the Red and Black. The fan-favorite had the play of the game against the Jackets when he forced a Haynes King fumble, giving the offense the ball back ahead of the game-tying touchdown drive. In this week’s matchup with the Longhorns, Jackson will be looking for more game-changing plays in his last playing of the SEC Championship.
Jalon Walker (LB #11) – One of the team’s most highly touted recruits in this upcoming draft, Walker ended his junior year with 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He was an absolute force the last time he faced Ewers and the Longhorns, tallying three sacks and eight tackles. If he can find a way to dominate his opponent on the big stage yet again, his draft stock will continue to skyrocket. Look for Sarkisian to scheme around this dangerous linebacker to keep his quarterback off the ground.
Peyton Woodring (PK #91) – The sophomore from Lafayette, Louisiana is riding an 89.5 field-goal percentage into this championship game. While he hasn’t been called upon that often, Woodring has been reliable when needed for three points. Against Texas months ago, he was perfect on all three kicks to help his team pull off the upset. In championship games, points are at a premium. So, Woodring will need to be excellent this weekend to tack on points on the Benz scoreboard.
David Greene was the Most Valuable Player of Georgia’s 2002 SEC Championship Game victory, piloting the Bulldogs to a 30-3 victory over Arkansas en route to a 13-1 campaign.
D’Andre Swift had the clinching touchdown run in the 2017 SEC Championship Game, dashing 64 yards to paydirt to give the Bulldogs a 28-7 lead over Auburn, which clinched a CFP berth.
All-American safety Chris Smith had the big early play in the 2022 SEC Championship Game, returning a blocked field goal 96 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs beat LSU 50-30.