The Georgia Bulldogs are looking to finish atop the SEC East this season. Only 10 of the Dawgs’ big starters are coming back in 2022. But there is no need for concern in Athens. Coach Kirby Smart’s team will still have many offensive and defensive stars.
The Georgia Bulldogs Breakdown
The Dawgs ranked 3rd in college football in spring recruiting this year, finishing only behind Alabama and Texas A&M. The Bulldogs’ #1 SEC defense last season held teams to an average of 10.2 PPG and 4.2 yards per play. Overall, Georgia had the SEC’s best defense and the top defense in all of college football in 2021. Georgia ended up beating out the likes of Clemson, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati to name a few.
Returning Playmakers for the Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia may have lost some standout defensive players like Trayvon Walker and Jordan Davis to this year’s NFL Draft, but they have replacements in Nolan Smith and the title-game hero Kelee Ringo. As opposed to the defensive line, Georgia is also looking to have a strong offensive line, with 3 of 5 starters from 2021 returning. Senior QB Stetson Bennett and sophomore start TE Brock Bowers are two of the biggest offensive playmakers Georgia has retuning for 2022. Bowers did have some shoulder surgery earlier this spring, which made him miss Georgia’s annual spring game. Other returning playmakers include WR Arik Gilbert and the tandem of running backs Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh.
The Importance of Stetson Bennett for the Georgia Bulldogs
It’s also worth mentioning that the leader of the Georgia Bulldogs’ offense, ol’ Stetson Bennett, is returning for his 6th year under center for the Dawgs. Just a couple of years ago, he was at a community college in Mississippi. Now, he leads one of college football’s newest powerhouses that last season, won their first national championship in 41 years. Bennett’s also resisted competition from his fellow quarterbacks who might’ve been a better fit.
Conclusion
Georgia’s 2022 season may see them be once again a contender for the national championship game. Their season will start in early September when they clash with the Oregon Ducks in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.