Georgia’s shocking loss to Auburn exposed major concerns with Gunner Stockton, the defense and discipline. Are the Bulldogs really championship contenders?
What in the world is going on in Athens?
Just one week ago, Georgia looked like the best team in college football. The Bulldogs were undefeated, ranked No. 1 in the country and appeared to be legitimate national championship favorites.
Now, after an embarrassing 27-24 home loss to unranked Auburn, there are some serious questions surrounding Kirby Smart’s football program.
And honestly, Georgia might have a much bigger problem than just one loss.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Auburn before allowing 24 unanswered points. At home. Against an unranked rival they had beaten nine consecutive times.
Gunner Stockton was supposed to be the experienced leader who could guide Georgia back to a national championship. Instead, he committed three turnovers, including a devastating fourth-quarter fumble that helped Auburn kick the game-winning field goal.
But Stockton isn’t the only problem.
Georgia’s defense, once the identity of Kirby Smart’s program, looked completely vulnerable against Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown. The Bulldogs surrendered 366 total yards and repeatedly committed costly penalties in critical situations.
And where was the dominant Georgia rushing attack? The Bulldogs managed just 113 rushing yards, a disappointing performance for a program built around controlling the line of scrimmage.
Injuries to running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens certainly haven’t helped, but Georgia has recruited too much talent for that to become an excuse.
Here’s the concerning part: Georgia didn’t lose because Auburn was overwhelmingly more talented. Georgia lost because it couldn’t stop making mistakes.
The Bulldogs outgained Auburn 440-366, yet still found a way to lose.
Now sitting at 6-1 and ranked No. 5, Georgia remains firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation. However, the Bulldogs have little room for another performance like Saturday’s.
With Florida waiting after the bye week, Smart needs to get this team back on track immediately.
Georgia still has the talent to win a national championship. Nobody should question that.
But talent alone doesn’t win championships, and the Bulldogs are starting to look far more beatable than anyone expected.
Kirby Smart built Georgia into college football’s most feared program. Right now, the Bulldogs look like a team that has forgotten how to finish games.
