1. First Half Production – Can Georgia’s offense put something together in the first half and get off to a good start? In the first half, Georgia has scored: six against Clemson, three at Kentucky, seven at Alabama, six against the Gators, seven at Ole Miss, zero against the Jackets, and then three in the SEC Championship Game against Texas. Georgia won five of those seven where the point production was seven or fewer, but clearly this is living dangerously. The attrition, the schedule, the epidemic injury rate, it speaks volumes to the state of Georgia’s program that the Bulldogs are 11-2 and Sugar Bowl bound. This team fights (at least) the full 60 minutes – of course the last two epic victories have come in overtime. If the Bulldogs can’t find a way though, to generate more point production in the first half, and throughout the game, the odds will continue to stack against the 2024 Southeastern Conference champions.
2. Christmas 1982 – Undoubtedly, the most phenomenal Christmas gift I’ve ever received. It came on December 25, 1982 in Savannah, Georgia, where our family had gathered at my grandparents’ house … Sugar Bowl tickets. My mom and dad delivered the ultimate present, and I’ve never been more excited. Georgia was 11-0, ranked No. 1, SEC champs for a third year in a row and headed to New Orleans to face Penn State for the National Championship in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs won it all in 1980, and came close in 1981 – Clemson and Dan Marino had me in tears. Unfortunately that would be the scenario on New Year’s night in the Superdome, as my beloved Bulldogs came up just short. Not a day goes by that I don’t think “what if” from that game. But the joy of getting those tickets, and the drive to New Orleans with my folks and cousin Bud, passing all those Georgia cars as I waved my red foam finger and pennant at other Bulldogs who were New Orleans bound, I’ll never forget it!
3. Run D – Georgia’s run defense will have to be at its best against the powerful Irish rushing attack for the Bulldogs to have a shot. Since Notre Dame’s week-two upset loss to Northern Illinois, the Irish have boasted one of the nation’s most prolific scoring attacks. Notre Dame has scored at least 49 points six times during their run to New Orleans. It starts with the run game, excellent tailbacks and the superb dual threat signal caller Riley Leonard. Against Indiana, Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a 98-yard touchdown run to get the Irish off and rolling. With the run game clicking, Leonard is dangerous on the ground and through the air. He threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 30 yards and a score against the Hoosiers. For the Dogs … keep containment, don’t overrush, stay disciplined and win that point of attack!
4. Kicking Game – You can make a strong case that Georgia’s dynamic kicking duo of Peyton Woodring and Brett Thorson has collectively been the Bulldogs Most Valuable Players. They’ve been the best pair in the country this season and one of the top one-two kicker-punter combos in Georgia’s rich special teams history. Unfortunately Thorson, a finalist for the Ray Guy Award as the country’s top punter, was injured in the SEC Championship Game and he’s out the rest of the way. Tragic. So whether it’s freshman Drew Miller or the veteran Charlie Ham, who has been stellar as Woodring’s backup, the Dogs need (and Woodring, along with all the other aspects of the kicking game) to be strong and on point.
5. Gunner – One of the most storied prep quarterbacks in Peach State annals, Gunner Stockton came off the bench and piloted the Bulldogs to the come-from-behind overtime victory over Texas in the SEC Championship Game. When he came in, the Georgia crowd roared for him. His teammates fired off the ball for him. And on the next to last play, Stockton on a gusty run had his helmet knocked off, and popped right up. Well, that’s a play that will live in Georgia SEC Championship Game lore. He’s a very good runner and has good touch. Stockton is a dual threat and very dangerous when he gets out of the pocket by design. For Georgia’s coaches … the plan … let Gunner be Gunner, and Georgia will have a shot.