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Georgia Football: 3 fixes Bulldogs must make for 2020 season

By Michael Hanich

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during the game against the Baylor Bears during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during the game against the Baylor Bears during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to snap the ball in the fist half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 21: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to snap the ball in the fist half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Expecting more in the pass rush

Historically, Georgia, especially coached by Kirby Smart, has developed highly productive pass rushers. This past season, the Bulldogs had the top-ranked scoring defense (12.6 points allowed per game) and rushing defense (74.9 rushing yards allowed per game).

While the Bulldogs had a tough and aggressive defensive line, they did not have defensive players that dominated in creating pass rush. The Bulldogs defense accounted for 31 sacks in 14 games this season, which is ranked seventh in the SEC.

The Bulldogs are going to return most of their defensive linemen and outside linebackers for the 2020 season. The losses of defensive tackle Tyler Clark and defensive end David Marshall will be significant. Clark led the defensive linemen in total sacks accounted for in the season with 2.5.

Freshman Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari led the team in sacks accounted for in the season with 5.5. Most of the top pass rushers for the Bulldogs, outside of Clark, were either sophomores or freshmen.

The lack of experienced pass rush proved to be a significant factor in the Bulldogs’ defense that was ranked 31st in pass defense (201.1 yards allowed per game). With a full season under their belt and a full offseason to develop, this Bulldogs defense has the potential to contain some dangerous pass rushers against opposing offenses. Ojulari will likely continue to be the main contributing pass rusher as a blitzer.

Jordan Davis will be a redshirt junior as a pass rush specialist defensive end. Sophomore Travon Walker will provide support at the defensive line as a three-technique tackle and a strong-side defensive end.

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