It was a record-setting night in Atlanta as Kirby Smart and his team set the all-time SEC mark for consecutive wins at 29. Saturday’s win also tied the record that the Dawgs set in 2022 for the most wins (49) by a senior class, and did so without the services of several injured stars – Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, Rara Thomas and Tate Ratledge.
From the kickoff and throughout the contest, I never feared Tech would win the game, but Tech coach Brent Key has put together a solid team (compared to Tech’s recent history) and instilled in them the belief that they could engineer the upset. The Jackets made a valiant effort, playing beyond their overall talent level, but Georgia still etched another “L” in the Tech record book.
Coach Smart believed his team could run on Tech, and with three talented receivers and an offensive line starter nursing injuries, the Dawgs did precisely that. Kendall Milton surged for 156 yards on 18 carries and two TDs, running with purpose and punishing tacklers. Now fully healthy, Milton ran like the back observers had expected since his arrival in Athens.
The Bulldogs will return to Atlanta next Saturday for the SEC Championship game, where they will face Nick Saban’s Alabama squad. Like Georgia, Bama played its traditional rival (Auburn) in the season finale. If one can say that Tech pushed the Dogs, then it is fair to say the Auburn shoved the Tide to the ground. Bama needed a muffed punt to have a chance at the win, but even that was not enough. It took a Hail Mary in the corner of the end zone with 32 seconds on the clock to secure the win. Georgia fans should not read those results as an indictment of Alabama’s talent or coaching. In-state rivalries often defy the odds maker’s talents; last night’s game in Atlanta is an excellent example. Bama will be ready for the SEC Championship game.
Saturday evening at the Benz, Coach Smart will face his mentor (again) for the SEC Championship. It is time for the team to shift to laser focus and prepare for the onslaught that the Alabama staff will dial up for Georgia. The Tide will rely on their outstanding quarterback (Jalen Milroe) to turn Bulldog pressure into scrambling, skillful evasions that give receivers time to get open and create big plays.
The SEC Championship game will be Georgia’s most challenging trial of 2023, but we should consider Alabama as something other than invincible. Georgia and Alabama have comparable talent, but the Dawgs are the undefeated SEC and national champs. The Bulldogs will need all hands on deck and should get, at least, some of the walking wounded healthy.
We will argue and speculate about the SEC Championship game, the rosters, and the coaches all week, but Georgia will settle the arguments on Saturday in Atlanta.
The Tide is ebbing. The Dawgs are hunting.