Mike Bobo (Offensive Coordinator) – Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is met with an interesting task heading into the Bulldogs’ first playoff game in the era of the 12-team expansion. He has, most likely, lost his starting quarterback from the past two seasons. Bobo is now tasked with preparing an offense under the leadership of Rabun County’s own Gunner Stockton. Coach Bobo has the opportunity to create a new, unique, offensive identity with the dual-threat ability Stockton possesses. Although slightly smaller than Tech QB Haynes King, fans may see Bobo emulate a few strategies from Georgia Tech’s offensive coordinator and former Georgia analyst, Buster Faulkner.
Trevor Etienne (RB #1) – The former Florida transfer is an SEC Champion, the very reason he came to Georgia in the first place. He wanted to compete for championships. Trevor Etienne is coming off another performance in which he was the only Dawg to reach the end zone. Etienne carried the ball sixteen times for 94 yards and 2 TDs, one of which was in overtime, to will the Bulldogs over the Longhorns. Prior to this matchup, Etienne had not played since the Ole Miss game on Nov. 9th. As he regained strength, he would not let himself sit out of the SEC title game, and the coaches did not regret letting him see the field. Etienne will need to have another thrilling game on New Years against the Irish.
Oscar Delp (TE #4) – Tight ends seemingly shined in the second half of the SEC Championship once Gunner Stockton took the field. Although it doesn’t show up on the stat sheet, Oscar Delp had one of the most clutch first downs of the entire ball game. He earned a hard-fought first down in overtime that eventually allowed the Dawgs to win the game in not eight overtimes but only one. The performances of Delp and his fellow tight end, Lawson Luckie, will be crucial in helping Gunner Stockton win his first game as a starter.
Jared Wilson (C #55) – Redshirt junior center Jared Wilson came out of high school as a three-star prospect but has quickly worked his way into being a projected day two pick in the NFL Draft. Coach Smart raved about his athleticism leading up to the start of the season, as did the rest of the offensive line room. Wilson has a high level of connection with his teammates. After the hard-fought matchup against Georgia Tech, I witnessed Wilson and linebacker Jalon Walker embrace each other.
CJ Allen (LB #3) – Georgia’s linebacker group has shined when it has mattered most. The entire front seven has been playing incredibly well. Allen and the Dawg defense held the Longhorns to 32 rushing yards on 28 attempts, which is extra impressive considering Texas ran the ball for 292 yards against Clemson in the first round of the playoffs. Allen was second on the team in tackles in the SEC Championship, along with one impactful pass breakup. The sophomore linebacker is preparing to show out in his first playoff game at the collegiate level.
Daylen Everette (CB #6) – Texas must be his favorite team to play. Once again, Daylen Everette forced multiple turnovers against the Longhorn offense. He had two interceptions. Now, against Riley Leonard, Everette will look to make a similar impact. Having played at his highest level yet this season, he worked his way onto the Reese’s Senior Bowl and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists.
Malaki Starks (Safety #24) – Everyone knows the group of elite safeties in Athens, Georgia. Dan Jackson, KJ Bolden, and Malaki Starks have been stars in the backfield. Starks leads the team in total tackles. The experienced junior has his eyes on once again competing in the college football playoffs as well as potentially winning his second national championship.
Charley Trippi led the Bulldogs to a 20-10 victory over North Carolina in New Orleans on 1/1/47 to cap a perfect 11-0 season, highlighted by a Sugar Bowl record 67-yard TD to Dan Edwards.
In Georgia’s 17-10 victory over Notre Dame on 1/1/81, senior linebacker Frank Ros had 17 tackles, and caused a fumble recovered by senior rover Chris Welton, who had seven stops.
The Bulldogs rolled past undefeated Hawaii 41-10 in New Orleans on 1/1/08, as Knowshon Moreno ran for two touchdowns and the Bulldogs defense sacked QB Colt Brennan eight times.