What Georgia Football Needs to Improve Before SEC Play
by Keegan Shinall
Dawgs OTL Writer/ Bleeds Red and Black
Georgia showed Marshall who Daddy was in Week 1 with a dominant 45–7 shellacking. All the while we were showing off a balanced offense and a defense that looked lightning fast. But as any veteran Georgia fan knows, the real measuring stick comes when SEC play begins. Before that stretch, the Dawgs have one more tune-up game against Austin Peay — and while the scoreboard will almost certainly tilt heavily in Georgia’s favor, this week provides a critical chance to clean things up and sharpen the details.
-Here are three areas Georgia must improve before the SEC gauntlet begins.-
1. Penalties and Early-Drive Execution
The first offensive series against Marshall was a reminder that even elite teams can stumble out of the gate. Predictable play-calling and early miscues nearly resulted in a quick three-and-out. Georgia can’t afford that type of sluggishness against SEC defenses. With all the realistic things we could improve what we have to sustain is the ELITE culture we’ve projected all off season. The worst thing I saw from Bama Saturday night wasn’t their play on the field it was how they handled setbacks on the sideline. We on the other hand have what looks like a highly disciplined juggernaut of a team coached by the general himself CKS. That said, Mike Bobo and Gunner Stockton need to continue building rhythm on opening drives, setting the tone early rather than waiting for a spark play to ignite the offense.
On top of that, unnecessary penalties — even the “intentional” kind — need to be minimized. Clean execution will be the difference between blowouts and nail-biters later this fall.
2. Offensive Line Consistency
The offensive line did its job in Week 1, paving the way for 240 rushing yards and keeping Stockton upright. But there were moments where short-yardage pushes weren’t as dominant as expected. Against an overmatched Austin Peay defensive front, the Dawgs have a perfect opportunity to iron out blocking assignments and test different combinations.
Depth is always critical in the trenches. Rotating younger linemen this week will not only build experience but also give Kirby Smart and Stacy Searels valuable film heading into SEC play. No point in rushing anyone banged up back onto the field when we can rest those like Juan Gaston.
3. Secondary Depth and Communication
The defense as a whole was suffocating in Week 1, but the secondary played without veteran CB Daylen Everette. That forced younger players like Ellis Robinson, Daniel Harris, and Demello Jones into extended snaps — and while they held their own, bigger challenges are coming.
Week 2 offers another chance for these young DBs to build chemistry and improve communication. It’s one thing to shut down Marshall; it’s another to hold up against SEC passing attacks loaded with future NFL-caliber receivers.
Why Week 2 Still Matters
On paper, Georgia should overwhelm Austin Peay. It’s the kind of game that the multi view will be in full affect. The half rack of ribs is likely to secure my full attention at times. But the goal isn’t just to stack another win and take a nap — it’s to prepare for what’s coming. Kirby Smart knows the “Week 1 to Week 2 jump” that Chito asked about is often the biggest improvement a team makes all year. That means cutting down on sloppy penalties, refining execution, and giving younger players real experience in live action.
Georgia doesn’t need style points this Saturday. What they need is growth, discipline, and film that will pay dividends when the lights get brighter.
Go Dawgs.
