Coming off a 2019 that saw Georgia come so close to reaching the College Football Playoff, the Bulldogs will look to make another run for glory in 2020.
Things will look awfully different this year due to massive scheduling modifications as a result of COVID-19.
However, there’s still football to be played, and the Dawgs will start the season ranked No. 4 in the Amway Preseason Coaches Poll, powered by USA TODAY Sports.
That ranking places Georgia second in the conference, behind Alabama which ranks No. 3 in the nation.
The full top-ten is as follows:
- Clemson
- Ohio State
- Alabama
- Georgia
- LSU
- Oklahoma
- Penn State
- Florida
- Oregon
- Notre Dame
Other SEC teams in the rankings include Auburn (11) and Texas A&M (13).
If Georgia – which should be favored in every game minus a visit to Alabama – takes care of business, then UGA should close out the season in its backyard of Atlanta.
The Dawgs return a lot of talent in 2020, mostly on a defense that ranked No. 1 in the nation last season.
On offense, Georgia lost a ton of production, including its starting quarterback, its top two running backs, four starting offensive linemen and a star wide receiver.
By looking at the losses lost from last season’s offense, it’s difficult to picture the Dawgs making another big run, but it’s important to remember that Kirby Smart has secured three consecutive top-ranked recruiting classes. In addition to the loads of talent waiting on the depth chart, Georgia was also able to land Heisman hopeful quarterback Jamie Newman in a transfer from Wake Forest.
If Georgia is going to have another memorable season, it will need these new offensive faces to be capable of moving the ball more than James Coley’s offense was able to in 2019.
The addition of Todd Monken, who I’d say was Georgia’s biggest acquisition this offseason, should make that possible.
With a ferocious defense and revamped offense, let’s see what these Dawgs can do.