ATLANTA — There are two constants for Georgia since Kirby Smart quickly developed the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse. They’ll play great defense, and they needn’t worry much about the SEC East. Half of Georgia’s division foes got their shots in during Smart’s first season as coach in Athens. Only two of them have done so since.
The Bulldogs lost games to three East foes in 2016. Even Vanderbilt got in on the act. Georgia is 28-2 against East opponents over the past five seasons. The victories were by an average margin of 25.7 points. The losses ended up being flukes. There was that weird 2019 defeat against South Carolina, and Florida hasn’t won a big game since besting the Bulldogs in 2020.
Now some signs suggest that the East won’t be such an easy walk for the Bulldogs this season. The best players from last season’s all-time great UGA defense are in the NFL now. Upstart Kentucky is No. 20 in the preseason AP poll. Florida has a new coach and a quarterback with star potential. Josh Heupel’s fast-paced attack made Georgia’s defense sweat a bit in Knoxville last season and should be better in Year 2.
