2021 UGA Football: Week Thirteen

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Week 13: W @ Georgia Tech; 12-0 

Georgia Tech provided another game where little worthwhile analysis came from, but I’ll return to the normal layout at least for a little before opening up to the rest of the country.

Special teams earns the first spot this week, but there wasn’t anything terrible from the unit. The usually-dependable Jake Camarda didn’t excel but to be fair he spent most of his time bored as the offense kept the ball comfortably most of the game. The return game struggled some too, but again, nothing concerning or overwhelmingly poor.

Offense goes next but it was a lot closer than normal. I wanted to see more points and some more efficiency early, but overall Coach Monken’s crew put it on Tech while keeping it simple. That’s one big point I thought about this week — Coach Monken never had to open the playbook this regular season, so he has a lot to throw at Alabama next week and whoever waits in the playoffs. He wasn’t asked to do much, but I believe Stetson Bennett played his best game in red and black, and it comes at a time where he is needed to step up. I still think Georgia needs at least two ready QBs to achieve its championship goal, if not for anything but to force opponents to prepare for two different styles, but Stetson looked more composed and aware this week, even if it was against a weaker opponent. There are a ton of offensive players to talk about, but to keep it short, I absolutely admire the resilience, toughness, and versatility of the pass-catchers on this Georgia team. Overcoming injuries and playing complimentary football are trademarks of this year’s skill players and they continue to impress on the field. An all-around balanced and quality effort from the offense can spark the excitement and confidence leading into next week.

I know it’s boring to put the defense here every single week, but Georgia allowed under 200 yards and zero points to an in-state rival on their own senior day. They played a little sloppy at times, but they also only gave up two first downs in 20 minutes of game time, and kept another opponent off the scoreboard. The defense looks a little healthier and with another week of good practice, I know Coach Lanning will have this squad ready to roll. If you watched Alabama’s offensive line struggle against Auburn, it’s easy to think Georgia will have even more success against them. I think there’s a lot more that goes into it, including a mental/emotional factor, but Georgia fans can’t forget Alabama’s best offensive trait exploits Georgia’s defensive weakness too. Bama’s big-play ability still scares me, but if the pass rush can contain and pressure Bryce Young similar to Auburn the big plays won’t be available anyway. This defense has a chance to prove itself one of the best to ever do it, and I think they’ll be successful. 

While not directly related to UGA’s 2021 season, I’d fail as a complete analyst if I did not compliment Michigan on their win against Ohio State. No, it’s not a compliment to Coach Harbaugh or a “thanks for eliminating OSU” (although that’s nice too). Instead, it’s important to note one of the key pieces in Michigan’s turnaround, defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, is a UGA grad who played baseball and football for Georgia. He also happens to be a graduate of Centennial High School, and a quality man of character. It’s only fitting for a former Bulldawg to help eliminate Ohio State from playoff contention. 

As expected, Georgia will face the gold standard of college football in Atlanta next week. The Dawgs don’t have the best history, especially lately, against Alabama. The two combined for some of the most memorable games of my lifetime, including an overtime dime from Matt Stafford to Mikey Henderson in 2007, Mike Bobo/Mark Richt failing to spike the ball in 2012, DeVonta Smith ripping our hearts out in 2018, and Jalen Hurts reviving his career in 2019. I firmly believe if Alabama wins, they will play each other a second time in the playoffs, which makes it even more important for Georgia to win Saturday and lift the elephant-sized monkey off their backs. If not this year, then when? Georgia’s got a chance to have a season similar to last year’s Alabama and the 2019 LSU team that competes for the title of best team ever, and while “national champion” is the only title that matters, it would be cool to have both. While Georgia matches up incredibly well outside of the previously mentioned deep ball weakness, this game will be won or lost between the ears of the Georgia athletes. The only team that can beat Georgia is Georgia at this point, and there’s no one I want more than Kirby Smart to make sure that doesn’t happen (Nick Saban is probably the best candidate, to be fair). 

Top ten after week 13:

1. Georgia
2. Michigan
3. Alabama 
4. Cincinnati 
5. Notre Dame
6. Oklahoma State
7. Ohio State
8. Ole Miss
9. Oregon
10. Baylor

Go Dawgs!