Kirby Smart (Head coach)
UGA head coach Kirby Smart has led the program to its fourth-straight New Year’s Six Bowl. With Virginia Tech opting out of a bowl game, the Bulldogs currently have the longest active streak of consecutive bowl appearances in the country. Last year, Smart learned from his mistakes two years ago against Texas in the Sugar Bowl, as his team left it all out on the field against Baylor. He will have to do that again as many players have chosen to sit this one out, which happened the last two years as well. Smart will have to find a way to motivate his team about playing against a highly-motivated Cincinnati team that will have a lot to prove.
JT Daniels (QB)
Georgia quarterback JT Daniels will play in his first bowl game as a Bulldog on Jan. 1 against the Bearcats. The last time UGA played, Daniels had his best performance against Missouri, despite not throwing for more yards than what he accomplished against Mississippi State. Against the Tigers, Daniels was sacked several times, but his composure remained intact. That’s what made his performance so impressive because of how he responded to adversity. In his three games in a Red and Black uniform, the Southern Cal transfer has completed 66.67 percent of his passes for nine touchdowns and one interception. He will be looking to continue that momentum in the Chick Fil-a Peach Bowl, and possibly give the nation a glimpse of what the Georgia offense will look like next season. The Bearcats rank second in the country in pass efficiency defense, so Daniels will have to be perfect to have a successful game.
Daijun Edwards (RB)
Here’s a name that you should know from now on: Daijun Edwards. The freshman Georgia running back has picked up a lot of carries over the past few games since fellow classmate, Kendall Milton, has been out. The former four-star running back out of south Georgia has amassed 219 yards on 37 carries while averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. Edwards also has one touchdown on the season. With Milton’s status unknown, this could be a great time for Edwards to continue to get more carries. It seems like he’s earned it because the coaching staff just continues to feed him the rock. Also, expect Zamir White, James Cook and Kenny McIntosh to get some reps, but keep in mind that Edwards gets some, too.
Kearis Jackson (WR)
Georgia junior wide receiver Kearis Jackson is one of the team’s best success stories from this season. After getting hurt against Vanderbilt last year, he was a non-factor in 2019, but has come on strong this season. Jackson currently leads the team with 33 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns. He was one of Stetson Bennett’s favorite targets earlier on in the season, and has since helped other guys like George Pickens and Jermaine Burton along the way. Cincinnati ranks second in the AAC in pass defense, so look for Jackson to get some targets as Pickens and Burton are thought of to be Daniels’ top receivers. He could have a breakout game if all goes right, especially if he’s an underthought.
Jalen Carter (DL)
Freshman defensive lineman Jalen Carter has had a quiet, but impactful first season at Georgia. The Apopka, Florida native has seen action all nine games and has 12 total stops, three tackles for losses and 10 quarterback pressures. This will be an interesting game for Carter as Cincinnati had the top rushing attack in the AAC. The Bearcats average 5.7 yards per carry and average 225 yards per game with 28 total touchdowns on the ground. This matchup will be a great chance for Carter to prove his skills against a powerful opposing ground-attack. With Julian Rochester out, Carter has gained some valuable experience this season. He’s a rising star in the Bulldogs’ defensive scheme and will have a great opportunity to show his worth against the Bearcats.
Quay Walker (ILB)
With three-year starter Monty Rice opting out of the Peach Bowl, junior inside linebacker Quay Walker is the next man up. Although, it’s not like Walker doesn’t already play a lot, but he will get more snaps against Cincinnati. Currently, the Cordele, Georgia native ranks fourth on the team with 36 total tackles. He’s also credited with one tackle for loss, and five quarterback pressures. Walker will have some big shoes to fill, but he’s proved before that he can play well when given the chance. The former four-star prospect will give the Bulldogs some meaningful snaps in the Peach Bowl and he should play next year, too, given he stays for his senior season.
Georgia won its first ever postseason game, defeating TCU 40-26 on January 1, 1942 in the Orange Bowl, as Frank Sinkwich had a record-shattering afternoon for the 9-1-1 Bulldogs.
Led by Maxwell Award winner Charley Trippi, Georgia beat North Carolina 20-10 in the Orange Bowl on January 1, 1947, capping a perfect season with all 11 wins coming by double digits.
John Lastinger scored the lone touchdown of the game in the Cotton Bowl on January 2, 1984, as seventh-ranked Georgia upset No. 2 Texas 10-9, improving the Bulldogs record to 10-1-1.