SEC Football Previews: Georgia Bulldogs hope to return to glory

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - As the SEC team with the most promise, Georgia’s schedule does them no favors in the new 16-team conference slate. Here is a short preview of the Bulldogs:

COACH — Kirby Smart 94-16 overall (94-16 in eight seasons at Georgia).

2023 SEASON — 13-1 overall, 9-0 in SEC (1st, East); Beat Florida State in the Orange Bowl.

RETURNING STARTERS — 17 (9 offensive, 6 defensive, 2 special teams).

TOP PLAYERS — QB Carson Beck, RB Trevor Etienne, WR Dominic Lovett, TE Oscar Delp, OT Earnest Greene III, OG Tate Ratledge, DE Mykel Williams, LB Smael Mondon, S Malaki Starks.

KEY LOSSES — TE Brock Bowers, RB Kendall Milton, RB Daijun Edwards, WR Ladd McConkey, C Sedrick Van Pran, OT Amarius Mims, CB Kamari Lassiter, S Javon Bullard, S Tykee Smith.

SEASON OUTLOOK — There’s a reason the Bulldogs sat atop the SEC preseason media poll this year. Georgia returns 17 starters from a team that was one game away from the College Football Playoff, having lost to Alabama in the SEC title game last year. QB Carson Beck is one of the biggest names in the conference this season, a year removed from leading the 11th-best passing offense in the country last year. Defensively, safety Malaki Starks returns on a loaded defense, after finishing sixth in the SEC with three interceptions last year. The Bulldogs held opponents to an average 15.6 points per game in 2023.

SCHEDULE:

Denotes SEC Conference games.