College football’s “poll era” began in 1936. Since then, only 15 teams have won back-to-back national championships, as recognized by the NCAA. Alabama did it last, in 2011 and 2012. That was during the Bowl Championship Series era. The transfer portal wasn’t yet a thing, there wasn’t so much irrational money for assistant coaches to chase and a title could be won without a top NFL prospect at quarterback.
Georgia brought that last part back in 2021 by winning it all with Stetson Bennett. He’ll give it another go in 2022 along with all but four of Kirby Smart’s on-field assistants from last season. It’s harder than ever to win back-to-back national championships in college football. The Bulldogs have the program stability to pull it off. That mission is aided by the diminished state of their SEC East challengers and annual West opponent Auburn.
That big-picture view should alleviate any angst about Georgia offensive line coach Matt Luke resigning this week. Luke, who also had the title of associate head coach, told Smart he wants to spend more time with his family. His replacement will be key because Georgia’s offensive line has been central to its ascension to the title.
