Yes, Georgia escaped Knoxville with a 44–41 win over bitter rival Tennessee, but even Kirby Smart admitted afterward that the Bulldogs didn’t really deserve it. The victory bumps their record and boosts them in the latest AP Poll, but the performance also revealed some glaring issues as Alabama looms in Athens next week.
1. A shaky secondary
Two interceptions look good on paper, but they don’t erase the 371 passing yards surrendered—177 of them and three touchdowns to Tennessee’s Chris Brazelle, who torched Georgia’s defensive backs on deep routes all night.
In two weeks, they’ll have to deal with Ryan Williams, the freshman phenom who just shredded Wisconsin for 165 yards and two scores. Unless Georgia’s corners and safeties regroup quickly, Williams could have a career day in Sanford Stadium.
2. An offensive line under siege
Twice inside the red zone, Georgia’s ground game was stuffed cold by the Vols’ front. Tennessee also sacked Gunner Stockton four times and racked up seven tackles for loss. Too often, Stockton was forced to scramble instead of delivering from the pocket. If that trend continues, Alabama’s relentless defensive line could dominate “between the hedges.”
3. Luck won’t last forever
If not for Tennessee’s missed kick, Georgia leaves Neyland with a loss. That kind of fortune doesn’t hold up forever—see the 2018 National Championship against Alabama. With a proven quarterback and an elite receiver waiting, the Tide won’t need luck to put up points. For Smart and his team, execution has to replace chance.
The good news for Georgia? At least two of these problems are fixable, and if any coach can elevate his roster quickly, it’s Kirby Smart. Soon enough, fans will find out if this Bulldogs team is truly championship-caliber—or just living on borrowed luck.
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