Georgia Football: Bulldogs hope to end national championship drought

Dawgs will have one of the nation’s best defenses in 2021

Georgia football had one of the nation’s best defenses last season, but they had a problem giving up the big play in games against Alabama and Florida. The Dawgs are dealing with some losses in the secondary and they are going to have to be better against the pass this season.

Upfront, Georgia is getting a boost with the return of nose-tackle Jordan Davis, who is one of the best defenders in the SEC. Alongside Davis is going to be Devonte Wyatt and Travon Walker. Look for Jalen Carter to rotate in as well.

At linebacker, this might be the best group of pass rushers that Smart has had at Georgia during his time there. Nolan Smith and Adam Anderson form one of the top pass-rushing duos in the SEC and the country and both are expected to have huge seasons. In the middle, Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker are going to be starting and Dean has become the leader of the defense.

The secondary is dealing with departures and injuries this offseason. Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell are now in the NFL and Tyrique Stevenson transferred to Miami. Former Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick is in Athens now and should be one of the starters.

Look for Ameer Speed or Kelee Ringo to start opposite Kendrick. At safety, UGA got a huge transfer pickup in West Virginia transfer Tykee Smith, but Smith has sustained an injury and is uncertain for the Clemson game. Look for Lewis Cine to start at the other safety spot.