College Football Previews

 

The consensus question mark about Georgia's upcoming season is QB Gunner Stockton. The Bulldogs won 11 games last season under previous QB Carson Beck and have enjoyed double-digit wins in each of the last four seasons. They are entering their tenth year under head coach Kirby Smart and are the reigning SEC Champions. Yet The Athletic, the sports propaganda division of the Times' media empire, still predicts a disappointing season for the Dawgs this year, and puts the blame squarely on Stockton. Their ranking of potential FBS starters lists Stockton at No. 48 of 136, just below Alabama's Ty Simpson and above Notre Dame's CJ Carr. However, they note:     

There’s no questioning Stockton’s toughness — it’s hard to forget the hit he endured in overtime of Georgia’s SEC title win over Texas — and even in his first career start in the CFP against Notre Dame, Stockton showed poise under constant pressure and uncorked some impressive downfield throws. His physical gifts aren’t quite those of his predecessor, Carson Beck [inexpiably No. 12 in their ranking], so his preseason ranking is very much a wait-and-see approach.

It’s understandable why some look at the relatively untested Stockton as the main question about the Bulldogs, but it also misses the point. Georgia doesn’t need a Heisman candidate at quarterback to win. The great Nate Frazier is back after leading Georgia in rushing last season and eight touchdowns, while receiver Zachariah Branch transfers from USC and Noah Thomas comes over from Texas A&M. 

The biggest worries revolve around the offensive line. When Georgia lost to Notre Dame in the CFP, it wasn't because of Stockton but because the Irish were able to freely push the line around. On top of that, the Dawgs lost four of their o-line starters after last season. However, if the line can be rebuilt back to Georgia standards, The Athletic points out, the Bulldogs could win another national title. If not, then Smart will make the necessary changes.

Defensively, the Dawgs are loaded. CJ Allen returns after 76 tackles sand four pass deflections, while KJ Bolden had 59 tackles and 1 interception. Daylen Everette had 58 tackles and 3 interceptions, while Raylen Wilson had 47 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Georgia also snagged highly recruited players in Isaiah Gibson and Elijah Griffin.

The Bulldogs will destroy their first two opponents this season, although the 39½ point spread over Marshall on Saturday is a bit ridiculous for an opening weekend and probably has more to do with Georgia fans' enthusiasm than actual on-field performance. I'm predicting Georgia will win but not guessing by how many points, other than more than 10. Some other predictions: 

Saturday: No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State: The Buckeyes will win on their home field, because overrated Texas sucks. OSU fans will be insufferable until at least November when they have to play Penn State and their kryptonite team, Michigan.  

Sunday: No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami: Carson Beck gets to finally play the team he would have played against with Georgia if not for his injury in the previous SEC Championship Game against Texas. He will lose, throwing at least one INT to an Irish defender during a crucial play. Notre Dame fans will be insufferable, but is that anything new?

Monday: TCU at Bill Belichick: Both teams are unranked and no one gives a shit about the Tarheels outside of North Carolina, but everyone's anxious to see how Belichick fares in the NCAA. This game won't be the litmus test for his collegiate career, but North Carolina will win at home because Texas teams suck. Bill will be even more insufferable, if you can believe that's even possible.