I’ll start to answer the question with a simple declaration: Not as good as they will be going forward. The 2017 Georgia Bulldogs represents the least talented team that Coach Smart’s staff will field for the foreseeable future. However, we all know that talent is just another word for potential.
The Dawgs made it to the national championship game in Kirby’s second year before losing to perennial contender Alabama. Were the two best teams in the country in the game? Here is what former LSU player and current SEC Network/ESPN analyst Booger McFarland said recently:
Was having this conversation with a scout today .
I could give you your choice of any 85 players u wanted in any all star college football game that was played today and ur team would not have been favored vs Georgia or Alabama this season.
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 21, 2018
My point is not to argue that McFarland’s statement is the un-hyped truth, rather it is to point to the difference in national perception of football in Athens. Georgia’s success is not about luck, a perfect-storm, a season of destiny or any other explanation that diverts one attention from recruiting success, outworking opponents during preparation and executing with ferocious intensity.
If McFarland is right, start budgeting for the 2018 College Football Playoff now.