This past Saturday’s clash with the other SEC Bulldogs was not pretty; in fact, it was downright ugly in spots – but the Dawgs walked out of Sanford Stadium with another win. Georgia’s 2024 senior class improved to 47-3 and 41-1 in the regular season, but, at times, this team seemed sluggish and unable to stifle the MSU Dawgs, who fell to 1-5 for the year.

Are we witnessing the potential for quickly notching significant improvement in this Georgia team? Most commenters may fall on the negative end of the spectrum after that struggle with MSU. Mississippi State’s five losses included a 41-17 loss to Toledo, and their only win was over Eastern Kentucky (FCS), yet they went toe-to-toe with Georgia.

Score comparisons are generally not great indicators of future outcomes, and this season is regularly producing unexpected outcomes. Georgia is a powerhouse in college football’s toughest conference, and its roster is a testament to Kirby Smart’s emphasis on recruiting. Boasting a lineup composed mainly of four and five-star players, the Bulldogs should be able to handle the SEC’s last-placed team with relative ease. Again, I want to emphasize that the Bulldogs left Dooley Field with the win even though they seemed flat for large game segments.

Yes, there are injuries, and the offensive line was restocked after graduations, plus NFL exits, but it feels different. The energy is different, and fans in the stands feel it, which may account for the lack of fan enthusiasm that Coach Smart complained about after the Auburn game. Fans certainly have an obligation to the team to support the Dawgs loudly, and those Dawgs, in return, must play in a way that excites and motivates the fans in the stands – and at home. 

The talent, skills and coaching experience are in place for this team to threaten the college football world this year. However, they are going to have to jell quickly. Austin, Texas and the Longhorns will welcome Georgia in one of this season’s pivotal games on Saturday. A win in Austin would be huge for this team and its playoff position. Even a close loss would likely not eliminate the Dawgs from the expanded playoff, so let’s hope the Bulldogs’ play indicates that they were looking ahead to the Lone Star showdown a week early. If not, it could be a long night in Austin.