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No. 5 Georgia is looking for defense to reclaim standard set by 2021-22 national championship teams

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 18:58 GMT by Toronto Star
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Georgia Aims to Re‑establish Defensive Dominance as the 2024 Season Begins

The University of Georgia’s football program is once again under the microscope, this time for its defense. The Bulldogs are the No. 5 team in the nation heading into the 2024 campaign, and the pressure is on to recreate the defensive excellence that underpinned their 2021‑22 national championship run. A close look at the team’s personnel, coaching philosophy, and upcoming schedule reveals that Georgia’s defensive coaching staff has laid a clear roadmap for success—if the players can stay healthy and maintain the momentum built over the last few seasons.

A National‑Championship‑Level Foundation

In 2021‑22, Georgia’s defense was the bedrock of a championship‑winning roster. They finished the season as the nation’s best in total defense (206.5 yards per game) and ranked second in passing defense (166.8 yards per game). According to the official NCAA statistics page for that season, the Bulldogs allowed just 17.3 points per game—one of the lowest in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The defensive unit was also the second‑most prolific turnover generator, with 18 forced turnovers over the course of the regular season.

The 2022 championship game against TCU further highlighted the defense’s impact. Georgia’s front seven forced two sacks and an interception that ultimately set up the two touchdowns in the final minutes, sealing a 27‑21 victory. In the press conference that followed, head coach Kirby Smart praised the defense’s “unrelenting pressure and disciplined play” as the keys to the national title.

Returning Talent and Key Personnel

While the team’s offensive lineup has seen several new faces in the past two seasons, the defensive core remains largely intact. Three of the Bulldogs’ top defensive starters are returning:

Jalen Carter, a first‑team All‑SEC selection last year, entered the 2024 offseason with 17.3 career sacks—placing him among the school’s all‑time leaders. The defensive line, led by Carter, has been praised for its ability to generate pressure without relying on blitzes, a hallmark of the “four‑down” style championed by coordinator Chris Knowles. Knowles, who has been Georgia’s defensive coordinator since 2020, is known for his aggressive, yet methodical, approach to defensive planning.

Off the field, the coaching staff has reinforced the importance of continuity. In an interview with The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution, Kirby Smart emphasized that “our defensive culture is built on accountability and adaptability. Those are the values we’ll carry into the next season.”

Defensive Scheme and Philosophical Adjustments

Georgia’s defensive philosophy remains rooted in the 4‑3 base scheme, which places emphasis on a strong interior line, a versatile linebacking corps, and a safety that can cover deep zones while also acting as a run stopper. The Bulldogs have continued to employ a “four‑down” approach, focusing on pressure from the edge and the interior, and relying on a disciplined pass rush to disrupt the quarterback’s timing. The front line’s strength is complemented by a secondary that often operates in a “two‑deep, two‑in” man‑to‑man look, providing coverage flexibility.

While the base scheme remains unchanged, the coaching staff has made minor adjustments in response to the changing offensive trends in the SEC. The defensive line now incorporates more hybrid tackles, capable of dropping into coverage or staying in the box as needed. Additionally, the linebacker group has been tasked with increased pass‑coverage responsibilities, with a focus on zone coverage techniques during practice sessions.

Upcoming Schedule and Key Challenges

Georgia’s 2024 schedule features a series of high‑stakes defensive matchups that will test the Bulldogs’ new approach. The early‑season away game at Tennessee on September 8, followed by the home opener against Kentucky on September 15, presents an opportunity for the defense to solidify its early‑season rhythm. Mid‑season, the Bulldogs face Alabama on November 9—a game that will be a litmus test of defensive toughness against one of the SEC’s most explosive offenses.

One potential stumbling block is the depth of the defensive front. The Bulldogs have not yet announced a full roster for the defensive line beyond Carter, Okonkwo, and McGee. Recruiting reports indicate that the coaching staff has secured a top‑25 prospect in the upcoming 2025 class, but the current season’s depth chart remains uncertain. Should injuries occur, the defensive line will need to rely on less experienced players to step up—an area the coaching staff has been actively addressing during training camp.

Historical Context and Looking Ahead

Georgia’s defensive prowess has not been a new phenomenon. The Bulldogs have consistently been among the top defensive teams in the SEC since the early 2000s. In 2017, under coach Kirby Smart, Georgia finished as the nation’s best in total defense with 203.6 yards per game. The 2021‑22 season further cemented that legacy, with a defensive unit that was consistently ranked in the top three nationally.

The 2024 season, therefore, carries an expectation of consistency. The coaching staff, led by Kirby Smart and Chris Knowles, is set to carry forward the “defensive discipline” that has become a hallmark of the program. They have already started to emphasize early defensive playbooks that focus on the “4‑3, 4‑down” approach—an approach that has proven effective in past championships.

In conclusion, Georgia’s defense is primed for a return to its championship‑winning form. With returning talent, a proven coaching staff, and a philosophy that emphasizes pressure and adaptability, the Bulldogs are positioned to reclaim the defensive standard they set in 2021‑22. The upcoming games will be the true test of whether the defense can translate its potential into tangible results. If they can keep the same intensity and cohesion that earned them a national title, the Bulldogs may well be in contention for the coveted 2024 championship—once again powered by a defense that is as formidable as it is respected.