Georgia Bulldogs 2023 Season Preview & Record Prediction
2022 Record: 15-0 (National Champion)
It’s the Georgia Bulldogs world. The rest of the college football landscape lives in it. The Bulldogs joined programs such as Alabama (2011,2012), Minnesota (1940, 1941), Army (1944, 1945), Notre Dame (1946, 1947), Oklahoma (1955, 1956), and Nebraska (1994, 1995) to win back-to-back national titles. They will have an opportunity to accomplish something special in 2023 by becoming the first-ever program to win three championships during the CFP era. The team has made history by winning back-to-back titles since the playoff format was introduced in 2014. Despite losing several impact players to the National Football League, the Bulldogs are expected to have significant talent to step into those roles and produce. Today’s read marks the first of our college football season preview series for 2023. Along with Georgia, Strike 7 Sports will have team previews for teams such as Alabama, Florida State, USC, Notre Dame, and Memphis.
Previewing the Georgia Offense
Last year, the Georgia offense ranked fifth in the nation and averaged over 500 yards per game. What sets this unit apart is its incredible balance, peak efficiency, and remarkable ability to dominate in the red zone, finishing as the top team in the nation in red zone efficiency.
Former offensive coordinator Todd Monken has moved on to the Baltimore Ravens, but back in the mix is the experienced and talented Mike Bobo, who previously served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator during the Mark Richt era with the program. The momentum doesn’t stop, and with Coach Bobo’s expertise, this offense might even surpass last year’s stellar performance at the skill positions.
And let’s talk about the unsung heroes of this offense – the offensive line. This front five proved to be a force to be reckoned with, paving the way for an impressive 205 rushing yards per game. They were the fourth-best in the nation at protecting the quarterback from sacks and the second-best in tackles for loss allowed. Trust me, this unit’s contributions were nothing short of remarkable.
Key players like center Sedrick Van Plan and the guard tandem of Xavier Truss and Tate Ratledge are returning to anchor this dominant line. But that’s not all – keep an eye on offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who could be the first from this group drafted next year. And let’s not forget about redshirt freshman Earnest Greene, a massive 6-4 330-pound talent, poised to take over at left tackle after the departure of Broderick Jones, who was drafted 14th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the running game, the Bulldogs may have lost their leading rusher, Kenny McIntosh, but there should be no cause for concern, as their deep and talented backfield will ensure a potent ground attack. Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton are both powerful and explosive options, and Brandon Robinson adds to the depth, giving the Bulldogs multiple threats to keep defenses on their toes.
And when it comes to catching the ball, Georgia boasts an exceptional receiving corps. The versatile tight end Brock Bowers is leading the charge; he’s a true do-it-all player with top-ten overall talent. Last season, he had an outstanding performance with 63 receptions for 942 yards and seven touchdowns.
Backing up Bowers are impressive wide receivers like Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, who bring a dangerous deep threat to the field. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The Bulldogs have added top-notch talent, including Dominic Lovett, a standout receiver from Missouri, and Rara Thomas, a transfer from Mississippi State with a history of making big plays.
So, we’ve got a spectacular offensive line, a dynamic group of running backs, and a receiving corps that’ll keep defensive coordinators up all night. But who will be the one delivering the passes? Stetson Bennett, the former walk-on who is now with the Los Angeles Rams, put up some impressive numbers last year with over 4,000 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, and only seven interceptions. However, the Georgia quarterbacks for the 2023 season are all top-notch recruits with significant upside.
Keep an eye out for sophomore Brock Vandagriff, who has a tremendous all-around skill set and could be the most effective runner among the quarterbacks. Redshirt freshman Gunner Stockton is another versatile option, while Dylan Raiola, a 5-star prospect, is set to join in 2024. But for now, the odds-on favorite to take the helm is junior Carson Beck, a 4.5-star prospect with the most experience in the system. We will get a clearer picture of the Dawgs’ projected starter once fall camp starts, but all signs point to Beck winning the job.
Previewing the Georgia Defense
Few teams like the Georgia Bulldogs have faced the challenge of replacing NFL talent. Over the last three years, 19 defensive players were drafted into the NFL, with five selected just last season. But if you are a Georgia fan reading this preview, do not worry because the Bulldogs have a knack for reloading with top-tier talent. Led by defensive coordinators Will Muschamp and Glenn Schumann, the 2023 Georgia defense is gearing up to be a formidable force to reckon with.
The secondary may have lost star NFL-bound starters Kelee Ringo and Christopher Smith, but don’t be surprised if this unit becomes even better. The safety trio of Malaki Starks, Javon Bullard, and Tykee Smith is nothing short of next-level talent. Starks, who recorded an impressive 68 tackles last season, is a force in the secondary, while Bullard is a potential first-round draft pick who can disrupt plays in the backfield. Kamari Lassiter will step up as the new top cornerback, bolstered by the addition of Smoke Bouie from Texas A&M. Sophomore Daylen Everette is set to fill the shoes left by Ringo, ensuring the secondary remains a potent defensive weapon.
The Bulldogs’ linebacker duo, Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson, are destructive forces on the field. Leading the team in tackles, they combined for an impressive 146 stops and 17 tackles for loss last season. While the departures of Nolan Smith and Robert Beal are significant losses, Chaz Chambliss is ready to step up and make his mark at one of the outside linebacker spots.
Let’s talk about the defensive line, where Georgia has consistently produced dominant talent. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are now members of the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Bulldogs aren’t slowing down. Warren Brinson is the next in line, and while he may not be at the level of his predecessors just yet, he is a huge and active defensive tackle who’ll continue to make an impact. Alongside him, the massive 320-pound Nazir Stackhouse and 295-pound Zion Logue will command the interior line, proving to be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Adding to the defensive line’s strength is the top pass rusher, Mykel Williams. Although he recorded just 4.5 sacks last season, his explosive burst off the line makes him a constant threat in the backfield. With this level of talent and depth in the front seven, the Bulldogs will apply pressure from all directions and keep their opponents on their heels.
Important Games
Auburn: (September 30)
Florida: (October 28)
Missouri: (November 30)
Ole Miss: (November 11)
Tennessee: (November 18)
Projected Outlook
So, going into this season, the question that has been raised constantly is whether Georgia can become the first-ever team to win three-straight national titles during the CFP era. The Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1934, 1935, and 1936 were the last program to pull off the feat. Georgia’s prospects of becoming a three-time national champion during the CFP era are significantly high. Their schedule is relatively soft, and their roster is head and shoulders better than any program in the country right now. The opposition in the SEC East is not there right now.
The Missouri squad that almost handed them an upset last season is projected to be better in 2023, but the matchup now shifts to Athens, Georgia. Auburn Tigers’ new head coach Hugh Freeze is an offensive wizard, but he is inheriting a program that needs significant upgrades on both sides of the football.
Billy Napier over at Florida had a solid recruiting class and is expected to have an improved team compared to last year, but they still will not be on the Bulldogs’ level. I do not foresee any losses on the Georgia Bulldogs 2023 schedule this season. The only opposition that may throw a wrench in their quest for another undefeated season is in the SEC championship game. However, that game may be a layup for the Dawgs as well.
Predicted Record: 12-0 (National Title Contender)
