Georgia enters the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoffs as the No. 2 seed despite enduring an inconsistent 2024 season. The Bulldogs secured a first-round bye after a hard-fought 22-19 overtime victory over Texas in the SEC Championship Game. They now await the winner of a first-round matchup between Indiana and Notre Dame.
Finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record, Georgia struggled in key moments throughout the year. This included a dramatic 44-42 eight-overtime win against Georgia Tech in their final regular season game. Under the guidance of head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia fields one of the most talented rosters in the nation but has been plagued by inconsistency.
A loss to Alabama in Week 5 seemed to jeopardize their path to the SEC Championship Game. However, Alabama’s unexpected loss to Oklahoma in Week 13 opened the door for Georgia to clinch their spot. Their victory over Texas in the SEC title game was the Bulldogs’ second win against the Longhorns in 2024, having defeated the then-top-ranked team 30-15 in mid-October.
Despite the win, Georgia suffered a major setback in the championship game as starting quarterback Carson Beck was injured just before halftime. Beck sustained an elbow injury after taking a blindside hit, forcing sophomore Gunner Stockton to finish the game. Beck’s availability for the College Football Playoffs remains uncertain, adding to the Bulldogs’ vulnerabilities. Yet, the team’s issues extend beyond quarterback play, making them susceptible to an early upset regardless of who starts under center.
Offensive Struggles Have Defined Georgia’s 2024 Season
While Georgia’s defense has had its lapses, it has generally been a strong point throughout the season. Led by All-American players Malaki Starks and Jalon Walker, the defense allowed just 21.8 points per game—a respectable figure in the SEC. However, the offense has been a recurring problem.
Quarterback Carson Beck has drawn criticism for his performances, but Georgia’s offensive struggles stem from deeper issues. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has been the focus of frustration from fans, along with the team’s inconsistent offensive line. A lackluster running game has been a significant factor in Georgia’s offensive shortcomings.
Georgia began the year with high hopes for its running back group, featuring Trevor Etienne, Branson Robinson, and Nate Frazier. However, injuries and inconsistent play have hindered the unit. Nate Frazier emerged as the leading rusher with 634 yards on the season, stepping up late in the year and leading the team in rushing in five of their final six games. Despite averaging 4.9 yards per carry, Frazier surpassed 100 rushing yards only once in 2024.
The Bulldogs’ inability to run the ball effectively has been glaring in their losses. In defeats to Alabama and Ole Miss, Georgia averaged just 69.5 rushing yards per game. Against Alabama, Etienne led with 55 rushing yards, while Frazier managed only 47 yards against Ole Miss. Although game script played a role, poor play-calling and underwhelming offensive line performances were larger factors.
Carson Beck’s performances have also been a mixed bag. While he excelled in the loss to Alabama, he struggled against Ole Miss. His injury and uncertain status put additional pressure on the offense. Gunner Stockton, who stepped in during the SEC Championship Game, managed just 71 passing yards in the second half, raising concerns about Georgia’s depth at quarterback.
A Challenging Path Ahead
If Beck is unable to play, Georgia could pivot to a run-heavy offensive scheme given their backfield talent. However, Smart and Bobo have not employed such an approach all season, making it an unlikely adjustment. Both Indiana and Notre Dame boast strong defenses, presenting a difficult matchup for a potentially depleted Georgia offense in the second round.
While Georgia’s defense remains a strength, their offensive inconsistencies—particularly in the running game—pose significant challenges. With questions surrounding Beck’s health and the team’s overall execution, the Bulldogs face a tough road ahead in the College Football Playoffs.