4 burning questions for College Football Playoff teams heading into 2022
By Dante Pryor
The Bulldogs won their first national title in 40 years
1. Can they repeat with Stetson Bennett?
“The Mailman” Stetson Bennett has decided to run it back and return for a sixth season in Athens. Georgia defied conventional wisdom and won a National Title despite Bennett not being elite. However, Bennett was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country and was fourth in yards per completion.
That said, Bennett put up most of his numbers against a mediocre SEC East. Bennett did not play well in the SEC title game but made some key throws in the championship game. Georgia won with Bennett earns him an opportunity to start next season.
That said, Bennett will not be the beneficiary of arguably the most outstanding college defense ever. The Georgia offense might need to be better on a game-by-game basis. Also, could Bennett’s return have repercussions long-term for the Bulldogs?
Brock Vandagriff, Carson Beck, JT Daniels, and incoming freshman Gunner Stockton are all in the quarterback room in Athens. Though Daniels is in the portal, he has not enrolled anywhere else yet.
Bennett will have every opportunity to start next fall, even if it means the Bulldogs losing a blue-chip quarterback — or three — to the portal.
2. What does the offense look like?
Settling the quarterback position begs this question about the offense. That is not to say that the offense was terrible. However, view Georgia’s offense in light of their historically great defense. Every starter on the defense is eligible for the draft.
That’s not to say that all of them will bolt for the green pastures of the shield, but this defense will get gutted. Smart has stacked recruited classes, and the defense will be outstanding next season but not historically great.
Will that motivate Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken to push the football downfield more often? Maybe, maybe not. However, that might not be the issue. Georgia will need the offense to carry the load more often next season.
3. Who is the explosive playmaker?
The offense loses its top two running backs, James Cook and Zamir White, to the NFL draft. Wide receiver George Pickens, whose career has been plagued by injuries, also declared for the draft. Last season’s leading receiver, Jermaine Burton, transferred to Alabama.
Anything that the Bulldogs lacked last season was an explosive perimeter player. However, there was not a team able to take advantage. Georgia does have options next season, however.
The Bulldogs have five wide receivers coming in this season, including De’Nylon Morrissette, who should go in and compete for snaps right away. Morrissette is a playmaker with the ball in his hands and plays fast in pads.
Another exciting prospect is Malaki Starks. Many are projecting Starks to the defensive side of the ball, but he is so electric with the ball in his hands. Smart and the Bulldogs might have no choice but to find Starks a place on offense.
4. What does the defense look like?
Last season, the Bulldogs started one of the most veteran defenses in the country. Every starter and nearly half of the two-deep were three, four, and five-year players. There is little doubt the defense will be talented; Kirby Smart and the Georgia staff have recruited too well for it not to be.
Expect to see lots of new faces on the defensive side of the ball next season and a defense that will grow as the season goes along. Keep an eye on incoming freshman Bear Alexander. If you wonder how they will replace Jordan Davis, the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Alexander is the guy.