UGA Football: Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 SEC Championship Game

*Undefeated Georgia and Michigan rank in the top 12 nationally in Scoring Offense (SO) and Scoring Defense (SD). The Bulldogs are 12th in SO (38.2 ppg) and first in SD (11.3). The Wolverines are seventh in SO (39.8) and third in SD (12.7).

Top-ranked Georgia (12-0, 8-0 SEC) will be looking to capture its 14th SEC title when it meets No. 11 LSU (9-3, 6-2 SEC). The Bulldogs will be making their fifth appearance in the SEC Championship Game (SECCG) in the Kirby Smart era that began in 2016. Georgia’s last SEC title came in 2017 when the sixth-ranked Bulldogs beat fourth-ranked Auburn 28-7. In 2018 and 2021, Georgia fell to Alabama while in 2019, LSU defeated Georgia on its way to a perfect 15-0 season. The Tigers along with Clemson in 2018 are the only teams to go 15-0 in the modern era (1937-present).

Georgia’s 13 conference titles rank the second most in the SEC. The Bulldogs are 3-6 all-time in the SECCG, including 1-3 versus LSU. The teams have met with an SEC title on the line in 2003, 2005, 2011 and 2019. Georgia’s only win came in 2005 when the 13th-ranked Bulldogs upset No. 3 LSU 34-14. Georgia’s first appearance in the SECCG came in 2002 when it beat Arkansas. That Bulldog squad posted a 13-1 final mark.

LSU leads the overall series 18-13-1 including 2-0 against Smart’s Bulldogs. During the 2018 regular season, second-ranked Georgia was upset 36-16 by 13th-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge. The Bulldogs finished 11-3 that year. The only other meeting came in the 2019 SECCG. Georgia completed that campaign 12-2.

2002: #4 Georgia d. #22 Arkansas 30-3 Att: 74,835 in Ga. Dome
2003: #3 LSU d. #5 Georgia 34-13 Att: 74,913 in Ga. Dome
2005: #13 Georgia def. #3 LSU 34-14 Att: 73,717 in Ga. Dome
2011: #1 LSU d. #12 Georgia 42-10 Att: 74,715 in Ga. Dome
2012: #2 Alabama d. #3 Georgia 32-28 Att: 75,624 in Ga. Dome
2017: #6 Georgia d. #4 Auburn 28-7 Att: 76,534 in Mercedes-Benz
2018: #1 Alabama d. #4 Georgia 35-28 Att: 77,141 in Mercedes-Benz
2019: #2 LSU d. #4 Georgia 37-10 Att: 74,150 in Mercedes-Benz
2021: #3 Alabama d. #1 Georgia 41-24 Att: 78,030 in Mercedes-Benz
MVPs: David Greene, QB, ’02; D.J. Shockley, QB, ’05; Roquan Smith, LB, ’17

With the 37-14 win over Georgia Tech last Saturday, the Bulldog senior class established a school record for most career victories. The 2022 Bulldog seniors are 46-5 and that included just nine regular season games and a bowl triumph during the COVID-shortened season of 2020. The 2021 Bulldog class that finished their career as national champions tallied a 45-8 mark. Also of note, the 2022 Bulldogs became the first Georgia squad to post back-to-back perfect 12-0 regular seasons. There now have been only six teams in school history to finish a regular season undefeated. These came in 1896 (4-0), 1946 (10-0), 1980 (11-0), 1982 (11-0), 2021 (12-0) and 2022 (12-0). Georgia’s single season record for wins is 14 set by the 2021 national champions (14-1).

*2-4 (includes 2017-19, ’21 SECCGs, 2018 & 2022 CFPNC)

%Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic; ^Liberty Bowl; $Rose Bowl Game; ~Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; !CFP National Championship

Rushing Yards: 222, Nick Chubb vs. #22 UNC (9/3/16)
Rushing TDs: 3, Sony Michel UK (11/18/17); vs. #2 Oklahoma (1/1/18); Daijun Edwards AU (10/8/22)
Longest Rush: 83-TD, D’Andre Swift @ #9 UK (11/3/18)
Passing Yards: 401, JT Daniels MSU (11/21/20)
Passing TDs: 5, Stetson Bennett UAB (9/11/21)
Receiving Yards: 197 (8 rec.), Jermaine Burton MSU (11/21/20)
Receiving TDs: 2, by 7 different Bulldogs multiple times
Longest Pass/TD Pass: 89-TD, S. Bennett to Brock Bowers UAB (9/11/21)
Tackles: 15, Nakobe Dean vs. #8 UF (11/7/20)
Sacks: 3, Trenton Thompson vs. TCU (12/30/16); Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT (11/13/21)
TFL: 3, Azeez Ojulari #7 AU (10/3/20); Thompson vs. Nicholls (9/10/16); 3, Azeez Ojulari vs. #8 UC (1/1/21); Channing Tindall @ UT(11/13/21)

Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has registered 26 scores on defense and special teams. The Dogs are 23-1 (loss came versus #8 UF in 2020) when they register a non-offensive score under Smart. This year, the Bulldogs have had a safety on a blocked punt versus Kent State. In 2021, Georgia had six of these scores: Chris Smith’s 74-yd INT return (#3 CU); Jamon Dumas-Johnson’s 20-yd INT return (UAB); Safety (SC); Zamir White 0-yd return of blocked punt (#8 ARK); Nakobe Dean’s 50-yd INT return (UF); Safety (UM); Kelee Ringo’s 79-yd INT return (UA-2).

2016: 12 points in 2 games (KOR, PR); 2017: none; 2018: 12 points in 2 games (PR, Blocked Punt Ret.); 2019: none 2020: none; 2021: 8 points in 2 games (Blocked Punt Ret.; Safety/Blocked Punt); 2022: 2 points in 1 game (Safety/Blocked Punt)
Longest PR For a TD: 82 yards by Isaiah McKenzie vs. Louisiana, 2016
Longest Blocked PR For a TD: 8 yards by Eric Stokes @ Missouri, 2018
Longest KOR For a TD: 43 yards by Terry Godwin @ South Carolina, 2016

Kirby Smart is one of 12 Power 5 head coaches who are leading their alma maters.

The other 11 are: Tom Allen (Indiana, 7th), Mario Cristobal, (Miami-Fla., 1st), Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern, 17th), Mickey Joseph (interim Nebraska, 1st), Mike Gundy (Okla. St., 18th), Jim Harbaugh (Michigan, 8th), Brent Key (interim Ga. Tech 1st), Clark Lea (Vanderbilt, 2nd), Jim Leonhard (interim Wisconsin, 1st) David Shaw (Stanford, 12th) and Jonathan Smith (Oregon St., 5th).

Offensive Coordinator – Quarterbacks Coach – Todd Monken
Fain & Billy Slaughter Co-Defensive Coordinator – Inside Linebackers – Glenn Schumann
Co-Defensive Coordinator – Will Muschamp
Passing Game Coordinator – Wide Receivers – Bryan McClendon
Run Game Coordinator – Running Backs – Dell McGee
Defensive Backs Coach – Fran Brown
Assistant Coach – Tight Ends – Todd Hartley
Offensive Line Coach – Stacy Searels
Assistant Coach – Defensive Line – Tray Scott
Assistant Coach – Outside Linebackers – Chidera Uzo-Diribe

The Bulldogs will feature four new on the field coaches. Bryan McClendon, who won an SEC title with Georgia as a receiver in 2005, returns as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. He most recently held the same spot for Oregon from 2020-21. McClendon was a graduate assistant at UGA in 2007-08 and was the running backs coach from 2009-15. Stacy Searels will be Georgia’s new offensive line coach after serving in the same role for the Bulldogs from 2007-10. He has most recently been North Carolina’s OL coach for the last three years. Another pair of coaches will join UGA for the first time in their careers. Fran Brown was named the defensive backs coach after serving as the secondary coach at Rutgers. Chidera Uzo-Diribe is the Bulldogs’ new outside linebackers coach following a stint in the same position at Texas Christian University.

{100 Points on 15 TDs, 5 Safeties}
2016: 14 points in three different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret., Safety)
2017: 6 points in one game (Fumble Ret.)
2018: 12 points in two different games (Pick-Six, Fumble Ret.)
2019: 18 points in three different games (2 Fumble Ret., 1 Fumble Rec.)
2020: 22 points in four different games (2 Pick-Sixes 1 Fumble Ret., 2 Safeties)
2021: 28 points in six different games (4 Pick-Sixes, 2 Safeties)
2022: none
Longest Pick-Six: 79 yards by Kelee Ringo vs. #1 Alabama, 2022 CFP National Championship
Longest Fumble Ret. For a TD: 64 yards by Tyson Campbell @ Missouri, 2018

Georgia collected its fifth SEC Eastern Division title in the Kirby Smart era this season. The Bulldogs previously have won it in 2017-19 and 2021. In school history, the Bulldogs have won 12 Eastern Division crowns and 13 SEC titles. Georgia last won the SEC Championship in 2017 when it defeated Auburn.

The Bulldogs are tied for third nationally with 35 rushing touchdowns (The school record is 42 set in 2017). Eight different Bulldogs have scored a rushing TD this year. Senior RB Kenny McIntosh has a team-leading eight. He had 182 all-purpose yards in the latest win over GT. Georgia is averaging 203.0 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry.

Georgia’s offensive line features C Sedrick Van Pran (27 consecutive starts), RT Warren McClendon (team high 36 consecutive starts) and RG Tate Ratledge (made 11 of the 12 starts this season) along with LT Broderick Jones (12 consecutive starts) . LG Xavier Truss (started 11 of the 12 games) missed the game versus No. 1 Tennessee due to a toe injury. RSo. Devin Willock got his first career start against the Vols for Truss and then started for Ratledge at Kentucky. The unit is a Joe Moore Award semifinalist as one of the country’s top offensive lines. The versatile Warren Ericson (17 career starts) relieved an injured Ratledge for the final 14 games of 2021. He can play all five spots along the line. Amarius Mims is lining up at either tackle position. They have helped Georgia pile up 38.2 points/game and 488.8 yards/game thus far.

Georgia ran for a season-high 292 yards and six touchdowns in their 42-10 win over Auburn. The Bulldogs averaged 7.5 yards/carry against the Tigers. Georgia’s rushing tally versus Auburn was the most since 2020 against Missouri (316). The six rushing scores were the most for Georgia since the 2018 contest versus UMass.

Senior PK Jack Podlesny leads the SEC and ranks fifth nationally in Scoring (124, 10.3 points/game). Podlesny has made 58 of 68 field goal attempts in his career (85.3 percent) and drilled 164 of 165 PATs. This season, he is 23-of-25 on field goals and a perfect 55-for-55 on PATs. Podlesny’s 338 points ranks sixth best in school history (Kevin Butler is fifth with 353). This season, he is handling kickoffs too and has 53 touchbacks out of 83 kickoffs.

In his latest contest, Podlesny tallied 13 points, including 3-for-3 on field goals with a season-long 50 yarder versus Georgia Tech. During the 33-0 win over Samford, he scored a career-high 15 points, which was the most for a Bulldog since All-American Rodrigo Blankenship scored 17 against Missouri in 2017. Podlesny was 4-of-5 on field goals versus Samford and hit all three of his PATs. Podlesny was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 on FGs and hitting all four of his PATs versus KSU and repeated with the honor a week later at Missouri.

Freshman P Brett Thorson, a native of Australia, had a season-long punt of 75 yards versus No. 1 Tennessee. This tied for the 10th longest in school history and tied for the longest since 2009. Thorson’s 75 yarder went out of bounds at the Vols’ 1 yard line. In the win over Auburn, he punted five times for a 41.4 avg. and all five were inside the 20. He has averaged 44.0 this season. The Bulldogs did not punt versus KSU, and that was the first time since the 2018 UMass game. Georgia is fourth nationally for the fewest punts with 29. The Georgia snappers return in senior Payne Walker (FGs/PATs) and junior William Mote (punts).

Senior Stetson Bennett, a native of Blackshear, Ga., began his career with the Bulldogs as a walk-on in 2017 when he was redshirted. Bennett transferred to Jones College (Miss.) where he started in 2018 and then returned to the Bulldogs on scholarship in 2019. He saw action that season in five games including throwing passes in four of them. In 2020, he started five games and then got the nod in the final 11 contests of the 2021 national championship season.

In his Bulldog career, Bennett is 26-3 and has completed 64.3 percent of his passes (537-for-835, 7,452 yards, 55 TDs, 20 INTs).

In school history, Georgia is 3-5 all-time against the No. 1 team and Bennett is 2-0. He led Georgia to a victory over No. 1 Alabama in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game and then against top-ranked Tennessee this season.

Currently ranks third nationally among active players in Total Offense Yards Per Play for a career at 8.26, which is on pace for both an SEC and school record (8.30 by Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M; 7.69 by Aaron Murray, Georgia). Current active national leader is C.J. Stroud (9.12, Ohio State) followed by Grayson McCall (8.56, Coastal Carolina).

After falling behind for only the second time this season (No. 1 Tennessee 3-0, 10:05 1stQ), Bennett directed an 80-yard touchdown drive that was capped by his 13- yard scamper to the pylon. The Bulldogs would never trail again against the Vols.

Bennett took off for a career-long 64-yard touchdown run during the win over Auburn, giving the Bulldogs a 28-3 edge at the start of the fourth quarter. His scoring scamper was the longest for a Georgia QB since 1976 when Ray Goff flew 73 yards for paydirt in a 41-0 win at Clemson.

Bennett and Tim Tebow (four) are the only two SEC players since 2004 to have at least four consecutive games with 250 passing yards and one rushing score. Aaron Murray is the only other Bulldog quarterback to have at least 250 passing yards and at least one rushing score in four games overall during a season (2013).

Bennett earned Walter Camp National FBS Offensive Player of the Week and Manning Award National QB of the Week honors while leading No. 3 Georgia to a 49-3 rout of No. 11 Oregon in this season’s opener. He directed the Bulldogs to seven touchdowns on their first seven drives and finished 25 of 31 for a career-high 368 yards and two touchdowns. Bennett also had a 1-yard rushing score against the Ducks. Bennett’s 368 passing yards in the win was the most in a season opener by a Bulldog since 1994 when Eric Zeier tallied 485 yards in a road win over South Carolina.

He ranked fourth nationally in Passing Efficiency (176.7) last year, which broke the school record in that category previously belonging to Aaron Murray (174.8, 2012).

In 2021, Bennett helped Georgia complete historic 8-0 SEC regular seasons in 2021 and 2022

During the CFP National Championship Game versus No. 1 Alabama, Bennett finished 17-for-26 passing with 224 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. Trailing 18-13 with 10:14 left in the game, Bennett directed a four-play, 75-yard scoring drive that gave the Bulldogs a one-point lead at the 8:09 mark (a two-point conversion failed). Georgia never relinquished its lead to collect its first national championship in 41 years. Bennett was named the game’s Offensive MVP as was the case in the CFP Semifinal Orange Bowl victory over Michigan.

*Ties school record

Stetson Bennett Rushing (UGA Career – 32 games)

The 2022 Georgia Bulldogs are on pace to have one of their finest seasons statistically on offense and defense. *Led NCAA

Georgia is averaging 38.2 points/game, which is 12th nationally.

The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 459-136 this season, including 244-60 in the opening half.

The Bulldogs are 64 of 66 in the Red Zone (a national leading 97 percent) this year with 43 touchdowns and 21 field goals.

Georgia jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead on 306 total yards versus No. 1 Tennessee and eventually posted a 27-13 victory.

Georgia’s offense generated 49 points against No. 11 Oregon in the 2022 season opener. The Bulldogs tallied 571 yards of offense on 62 plays, scoring touchdowns on their first seven possessions. Georgia had a season-high 579 yards of offense vs Vandy.

Georgia’s leading receiver against the Ducks was Kenny McIntosh (9-117-0). Also of note, WR Ladd McConkey scored receiving and rushing touchdowns in the same game for the second time in his career (@ Vanderbilt, 2021) versus Oregon as WR AD Mitchell also snagged a touchdown catch. McConkey accomplished the feat yet again at Mississippi State this season. Mitchell has been limited to four games in 2022 because of an ankle injury.

McConkey is a team co leader with 46 catches for 606 yards (13.2 avg.) and four scores. He had a career-long 70-yard touchdown run at Mississippi State. McConkey is also the primary punt returner with 17 for 197 yards, including a career-long 39 yarder versus Georgia Tech.

Georgia’s tight end room features All-American and 2021 Freshman of the Year Brock Bowers, junior Darnell Washington, redshirt sophomore Arik Gilbert and freshman Oscar Delp. Bowers and Washington are Mackey Award semifinalists.

Bowers, who is also a Rotary Lombardi Award finalist, is the team’s co leader with 46 catches for a team high 645 yards and five TDs while Washington has 25 for 403 yards. Washington’s lone touchdown came at Mississippi State. Bowers highlighted a career high 154 yards on five catches in the win over Florida and had a 73-yard scoring grab.

Bowers is the only player in the country this season with a rushing TD of at least 75 yards and a receiving TD of at least 75 yards.

Twice in his career Bowers has had two receiving scores and a rushing score in the same game. He did it during the road win at South Carolina and also at Vanderbilt last year. He finished with five catches for 121 yards, including a 78-yard touchdown against the Gamecocks.

Bowers has had six 100-yard receiving games in his career; three of his career TD catches have covered 75+ yards; his first career TD catch covered 89 yards against UAB.

Washington has started 11 of 12 games this season and has been a team captain twice. He had a career high five catches for 60 yards and a score at MSU.

Delp’s first career catch was also the first touchdown of his career on a 28-yard strike from Carson Beck against USC. Before Delp, the last Bulldog to score on his first career catch was Arian Smith at USC in 2020. For the year, Delp has five catches for 61 yards.

Georgia’s veterans in the backfield are senior Kenny McIntosh and juniors Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards.

After a career-high 143 yards and a touchdown at Kentucky, McIntosh is the leading rusher with 654 yards and eight touchdowns. McIntosh scored a touchdown both rushing and receiving for the first time in his career against Vanderbilt. He had nine catches for 117 yards (both career highs) to go along with five carries for 18 yards and a touchdown during the rout of No. 11 Oregon. Against Tech, McIntosh had a 83-yard catch.

Edwards ranks second on the team with 604 yards for a 5.3 average and has seven touchdowns. During the win over Auburn, he became the first Bulldog RB since Sony Michel in the 2018 Rose Bowl Game to have three rushing TDs in a game.

Edwards provided the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter of the 26-22 win at Missouri on a one-yard rush.

Milton scored both a rushing and a receiving touchdown against No. 11 Oregon for the first time in his career. For the year, he has 420 rushing yards and six TDs. Defense Setting The Tone

Once again, the Bulldogs lead the nation in Scoring Defense, giving up just 11.3 points per contest. The defense has posted 26 scoreless quarters, including holding five teams scoreless in the opening half this year.

Georgia has held six teams to a season low in points, including No. 1 Tennessee and No. 11 Oregon.

In 2021, Georgia featured the nation’s top Scoring Defense (10.2 points/game).

After missing time with a knee injury, junior DL Jalen Carter has been a force. In the last five games), he has accounted for 20 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, two sacks and a pair of forced fumbles.

Georgia shut down No. 1 Tennessee to the tune of 13 points after the Vols came in averaging a national best 49.4 points per contest. The 13 points was the lowest scored under head coach Josh Heupel. The Vols did not get a touchdown until 4:15 left in the contest. UT was just 2-of-14 on third downs (14 percent).

Florida was held to 100 yards rushing on 34 attempts (2.9 yards per carry). The Gators entered the game with an FBS best 6.4 ypc.

Georgia posted its second shutout of the year with a 55-0 win over VU. This marked the 10th shutout in the Kirby Smart era (since 2016), the FBS’ most during that span.

Georgia is allowing teams to convert on third downs only 26 percent of the time and that ranks third nationally.

The 2022 Bulldog defense kept No. 3 Oregon to only a field goal in the season opener. This marked the first time Oregon had failed to score a touchdown in a game since 2017. Late in the fourth quarter, Georgia had an impressive goal line stand late that ended at the two yard line following a 19-play, 87-yard drive that lasted 8:47.

Georgia’s first touchdown allowed this year came at South Carolina in game three with 53 seconds remaining in the game.

The Bulldogs have only allowed four rushing TDs this year (KSU, UF, #1 UT, GT).

Jamon Dumas-Johnson is the team’s co-leader with 59 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and three sacks. The Butkus Award finalist had one of the six sacks in the win over No. 1 Tennessee. Freshman S Malaki Starks also has 59 stops.

Georgia has eight picks on the year and has recovered five fumbles and currently minus-2 in turnover margin. The Bulldogs forced three interceptions during the victory at South Carolina. Starks had his team-leading second pick, one that he returned 42 yards, while S Dan Jackson and ILB Trezmen Marshall each had their first INT. Jackson has not played since the Vanderbilt game because of a foot injury.

RSo. Kelee Ringo’s two interceptions this year have come against No. 1 Tennessee and at Kentucky during Red Zone opportunities.

Both senior S Chris Smith and Starks registered interceptions that eventually turned into 14 points and helped Georgia build a 21-0 lead versus #11 Oregon. Starks has a team high 56 stops.

This marked Smith’s fourth career pick and his second in a row in a season-opening game after returning his INT for the game’s only touchdown against No. 3 Clemson in 2021. Smith shared SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against Oregon. Smith has been named a Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist.

Sophomore ILB Smael Mondon, who was sidelined a pair of games with an ankle injury, is third on the team with 58 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss.

Currently, there are four Bulldogs who have blocked a kick/punt in their Georgia career. This season, freshman OLB Jalon Walker blocked a punt that resulted in a safety versus Kent State.

Jalen Carter’s blocked field goal against Alabama in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game changed the momentum in the third quarter and ignited the Bulldog offense. The Bulldogs would outscore Alabama 20-9 in the final quarter.

Overall, Georgia blocked five kicks last year including punts against No. 8 Arkansas (Dan Jackson) and Missouri (Nolan Smith), a field goal by Kentucky (Devonte Wyatt, 1st round pick Green Bay) and a PAT (Carter versus Kentucky). Smith was injured in the Florida game and has not played since that contest.

Stetson Bennett: Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week, Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, Davey O’Brien Great 8 (vs. #11 UO); Manning Award Stars of the Week, Davey O’Brien Great 8 (@ SC); Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 10 QB; Davey O’Brien Class of 2022; SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, Davey O’Brien Great 8, Manning Award Quarterback of the Week (#1 UT); Davey O’Brien Award/Walter Camp National Player of the Year semifinalist; Burlsworth Trophy finalist; Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist

Chris Smith: SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week (vs. #11 UO); AP/CBS/ Sporting News Midseason All-America Team; Jim Thorpe/Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist; SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Bednarik Award Weekly Honor Roll (vs. UF); Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist

Jack Podlesny: Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week (SAM); SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (KSU); Campbell Trophy semifinalist; SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, Groza Award Stars of the Week (MU); Groza Award semifinalist; SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week, Groza Award Stars of the Week (@ UK); College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team

Kearis Jackson: Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member (Georgia leads the nation with 22 selections since award’s inception in 1992); Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist

Brock Bowers: SEC Offensive Player of the Week, John Mackey Award TE of the Week, Maxwell Award Weekly Honor Roll (@ SC); Maxwell Award Weekly Honor Roll (KSU); CBS/Sporting News Midseason All-America Team; SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week (vs. UF); Walter Camp National Player of the Year/Maxwell Award/Mackey Award/Biletnikoff semifinalist; Rotary Lombardi Award finalist; College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team

Branson Robinson: SEC Freshman of the Week (AU)

Offensive Line: Joe Moore Award semifinalist

Malaki Starks: The Athletic/Yahoo/On3 Midseason Freshman All-America Team; Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist; SEC Co-Freshman of the Week (#1 UT)

Jalen Carter: Sporting News Midseason All-America Team; SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week (#1 UT); Lott/ Outland Trophy semifinalist; Rotary Lombardi Award finalist; Bednarik Award Honor Roll (@ MSU)

Jamon Dumas-Johnson: Butkus Award finalist

Kirby Smart: Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week (#1 UT)

Darnell Washington: John Mackey Award semifinalist

Todd Monken: Broyles Award semifinalist

Nazir Stackhouse: SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week (@ UK)

Ladd McConkey: College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team

This marks the second straight season and third overall (1980) that the Bulldogs are 12-0. Georgia became only the fifth team in school history to finish a regular season undefeated and untied with double- digit victories (1946, 1980, 1982, 2021).

This is the first time in school history that the Bulldogs have finished two consecutive regular seasons undefeated.

The school record for wins in a season is 14 after Kirby Smart‘s squad accomplished the feat in 2021 en route to a 14-1 season and its first national championship in 41 years.

Georgia is aiming for its third appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP), including its second straight after winning the national title. Georgia’s first appearance came in 2017 as the No. 3 seed. The Bulldogs defeated No. 2 Oklahoma in double overtime to win the Rose Bowl Game in the CFP Semifinal and then lost in overtime to No. 4 Alabama in the National Championship Game. Last year, Georgia again was a No. 3 seed. The Bulldogs defeated No. 2 Michigan in the CFP Semifinal Orange Bowl and then dispatched No. 1 Alabama for its first title since 1980.

The Bulldogs checked in at No. 3 in the initial 2022 CFP rankings on Nov. 1 when they were 8-0 and then have occupied the top spot since Nov. 8.

Senior receiver/returner Kearis Jackson has been named to the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Jackson is one of 11 players from the NCAA FBS selected based on their commitment to community service. Georgia leads the nation in Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honorees with 22 since the award’s inception in 1992, including 17 since 2000. Jackson, a native of Fort Valley, Ga., is one of only two players from the SEC on the FBS 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The SEC leads all conferences with 82 all-time selections.

This past summer, former Georgia defensive lineman Richard Seymour became the latest Bulldog elected to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played for New England from 2001-08 after being drafted sixth overall. He was a threetime Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and appeared in a fourth Super Bowl. Seymour, a native of Gadsden, S.C., was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time All-Pro pick. At Georgia, Seymour was an All-American in 2000. Seymour joined Charley Trippi, Fran Tarkenton, Terrell Davis and Champ Bailey as Bulldogs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bailey is set for induction to the College Football Hall of Fame in December in Las Vegas. An All-American, he logged more than 1,000 snaps on offense, defense and special teams during the 1998 campaign. A Folkston native and also a record-setting track and field athlete during his UGA career, he will be the 16th Georgia player to join the College Football Hall of Fame.

37 Current Bulldogs With SEC CG Experience: Robert Beal, Jr., Stetson Bennett-2, Dominick Blaylock-2, Brock Bowers, Warren Brinson, Javon Bullard, Jalen Carter, Chaz Chambliss, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Daijun Edwards, Warren Ericson, Dan Jackson, Kearis Jackson-2, Broderick Jones, Kamari Lassiter, Zion Logue, Trezmen Marshall, Kenny McIntosh-2, Warren McClendon, Ladd McConkey, AD Mitchell, Smael Mondon, William Mote, Jack Podlesny, Kelee Ringo, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Brett Seither, Drew Sheehan, MJ Sherman, Chris Smith-2, Nolan Smith-2, Xavier Truss, Sedrick Van Pran, Payne Walker-2, Tramel Walthour, Darnell Washington, Devin Willock.

The 2022 team features 11 Bulldogs who started the 2021 SEC CG
Offense (8):
Stetson Bennett (QB), Sedrick Van Pran (C), Warren Ericson (RG), Warren McClendon (RT), Brock Bowers (TE), Darnell Washington (TE), Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (WR) and AD Mitchell (WR);
Defense (3):
Kelee Ringo (DB), Dan Jackson (SS) and Nolan Smith (LB).
Did You Know?
Senior Kearis Jackson (WR) is the only current Bulldog who started the 2019 SEC Championship Game.

TEAM

Most Points: 34 vs. LSU, ’05 Most TDs: 4 vs. LSU, ’05; Alabama ’18
Most FGs: 3 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (Ties SECCG Rec.)
Most Plays: 85 vs. LSU (Ties SECCG Rec.) {296 yards}, ’11
Most Yards: 454 vs. Alabama, ’18 (79 plays)
Most First Downs: 30 vs. Alabama, ’21 (10-Rush, 15-Pass, 5-Penalty)
Most Rushes: 42 vs. LSU, ’03 (138 yards)
Most Rushing Yards: 238 yards vs. Auburn, ’17 (41 att.)
Most Rushing TDs: 2 vs. Arkansas, 2002; vs. Alabama, ’12
Most Passing Att.: 51 vs. LSU, ’11 (SECCG Rec.) {20 comp., 218 yards}
Most Passing Yards: 340 vs. Alabama, ’21 (29×48)
Most Completions: 29 vs. Alabama, ’21 (29×48, 340 yards)
Completion %: 72.7 vs. Auburn, ’17 (16×22, 183 yards)
Most Passing TDs: 3 (twice) vs. Alabama, ’18 & ’21
Shortest TD Drive: 1 play, 2 yards in 2 sec. vs. Arkansas, ’02
Longest TD Drive by Yards: 97 yards in 8 plays in 3:36, vs. Alabama, ’21
Longest TD Drive by Time: 7:19 (13 plays, 74 yards vs. Alabama, ’18)
Most 4th Down Conversions: 3-for-3 vs. LSU, ’19 (SECCG Rec.)
Most Punts: 8 vs. LSU, ’11 (413 yards)
Most Punting Yards: 413 vs. LSU, ’11 (8 punts)
Best Punting Avg.: 52.5 vs Alabama (SECCG Rec.) {4 for 210}, ’21
Most PR Yards: 36 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (6 ret.)
Best PR Avg (min. 3): 6.0 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (36 yards)
Most KOR Ret Yards: 91 vs. LSU, ’11 (5 ret.)
Best KOR Avg. (min. 3): 21.0 vs. Alabama, ’18 (3-for-63)
Most Sacks Allowed: 6 vs. LSU, ’03 (53 yards)
Most Turnovers Lost: 3 vs. LSU in ’03 & ’11
Most Penalties: 12 vs Arkansas, ’02
Most Penalty Yards: 115 on 12 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (SECCG Rec.)
Fewest Penalties: 2 (15 yards) vs. LSU, ’05
Most Time of Possession: 36:36 vs. LSU, ’11
Most Combined Points: 65, ’21 (Alabama d. UGA 41-24)
Margin of Victory: 27, beat Arkansas 30-3 in ’02
Margin of Defeat: 32, lost to LSU 42-10 in ’11

TEAM DEFENSE

Fewest Points Allowed: 3 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (Ties SECCG Rec.)
Fewest Rushing Yards: 65 vs. Arkansas, ’02 (35 att.)
Fewest Passing Yards: 30 vs. LSU, ’11 (SECCG Rec.) {5×13}
Fewest Total Yards: 139 vs. Arkansas, ’02 {56 plays}
Most INT: 2 vs. LSU, ’05; Alabama ’18
Most Turnovers Forced: 2 vs. LSU, ’05; UA, ’12; AU, ’17; ‘UA, ’18
Most Sacks: 5 for 56 yards vs. LSU, ’05
Most TFL: 11 vs LSU, ’05 (Ties SECCG Rec.)

INDIVIDUAL SUPERLATIVES

Total Offense: 351, Stetson Bennett vs. Alabama, ’21 (340P & 11R)
Most Plays: 55, Stetson Bennett vs. Alabama, ’21 (48P, 7R, 351 yds.)(Ties SECCG Rec.)
All-Purpose Yards: 142, Tavarres King vs. Alabama, ’12 (142 rec.)
TD Responsibility: 3, D.J. Shockley vs. LSU, ’05 (1R, 2P); Jake Fromm vs. Alabama, ’18 (3P); Stetson Bennett vs. Alabama, ’21 (3P)

SCORING

Most Points: 12 (M. Smith, ’02; B. Bennett, ’02; S. Bailey, ’05; T. Gurley, ’12; D. Swift ’18)
Most Points Kicking: 12 by Billy Bennett, ’02 (3 FGs, 3 PATs)
Most TDs: 2 (M. Smith, ’02; S. Bailey, ’05; T. Gurley, ’12; D. Swift ’18)
Most FGs: 3 by B. Bennett in 3 att., 2002 (Ties SECCG Rec.)
Most FGA: 3 by B. Bennett, made 3, ’02; Rodrigo Blankenship, made 1, ’19
Longest FG: 51 by B. Bennett, ’03; B. Coutu, ’05
Most PATs Att: 4 (made 4) by M. Morgan, ’12; R. Blankenship ’18
Most PATs Made: 4 (4 att.) by M. Morgan, ’12; R. Blankenship ’18
Most 2-Pt. Conv. Att./Made: 1, J. Fromm to T. Godwin, ’17 (Ties SECCG Rec.)

RUSHING

Most Rushing Attempts: 23, Todd Gurley, ’12 (122 yards)
Most Yards: 122, Todd Gurley, ’12 (23 att.)
Most Rushing TDs: 2, Musa Smith, ’02; Todd Gurley, ’12
Longest Rush: 64TD, D’Andre Swift, ’17
Longest Rushing TD: 64, D’Andre Swift, ’17

PASSING

Most Attempts: 48, Stetson Bennett, ’21 (29 comp., 340 yds.)
Most Completions: 29, Jake Fromm, ’18 (48 att., 340 yds.)
Most Consec. Completions: 10, J. Fromm, ’18 (1st-2nd qtr./Ties SECCG Rec.)
Completion % (Min. 10 comp.): 72.7, Jake Fromm, ’17 (16×22, 183 yds.)
Most Yards: 340, Stetson Bennett, ’21 (29×48)
Most TD Passes: 3, Jake Fromm, ’18; Stetson Bennett, ’21
Longest Completion: 55, Jake Fromm to Issac Nauta, ’18
Longest TD Pass: 45, D.J. Shockley to Sean Bailey, ’05
Most Interceptions: *3 by David Greene, ’03 (Ties SECCG Rec.)

RECEIVING

Most Receptions: 10, Brock Bowers, ’21 (139 yds.)
Most Yards: 142, Tavarres King, ’12 (5 rec)
Most Yards Per Catch (Min. 3): 28.4, Tavarres King, ’12 (5×142)
Most TD Catches: 2, Sean Bailey, ’05

PUNT RETURNS

Most Returns: 5, Damien Gary, ’02 (19 yds.)
Most Yards Returned: 19, Damien Gary, ’02 (5 ret.)
Longest PR: 18, Bryan McClendon, ’05

KICKOFF RETURNS

Most Ret.: 4, Tyson Browning, ’03 (38 yds.)
Most Yards: 63, Mecole Hardman, ’18 (3 ret.)
Longest Ret: 36, Mecole Hardman, ’18

PUNTING

Most Punts: 8 by Drew Butler, ’11
Most Punting Yards: 413 by Drew Butler, ’11
Longest Punt: 68 by Jake Camarda, ’21
Best Punting Avg. (Min. 3): 52.5 by Jake Camarda, ’21 (4 for 210 yds.)

KICKOFFS

Most Kickoffs: 7, Brandon Coutu, ’05
KO Yards: 434, Brandon Coutu, ’05
Most Touchbacks: 5, Rodrigo Blankenship, ’17, ’18; Jake Camarda, ’21

DEFENSE

Most Tackles: 13, Roquan Smith, ’17 (10 solo, 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 2 FR)
Most Sacks: 2, Will Thompson, ’05; Jarvis Jones, ’12 (Ties SECCG record)
Most TFLs: 3, Odell Thurman, ’03; Jarvis Jones, ’12 (Ties SECCG record)
Most Interceptions: 1, Bruce Thornton, ’03; Tim Jennings, ’05; DeMario Minter, ’05; Sanders Commings, ’12; J.R. Reed ’18, Richard LeCounte, ’18
Interception TDs: 1, Tim Jennings, ’05 (15 yards) (Ties SECCG record)
Longest INT Ret.: 29, Richard LeCounte, ’18
Longest Fumble Ret.: 9 yards, Roquan Smith, ’17
Most Forced Fumbles: 1, Robert Geathers, ’03; Jarvis Jones, ’12, Armalo Herrera, ’12; Ramik Wilson, ’12; Lorenzo Carter, ’17, Davin Bellamy, ’17; D’Andre Walker, ’18, Juwan Taylor, ’18; Devonte Wyatt, ’21
Most Fumble Recoveries: 2, Roquan Smith, ’17 (Ties SECCG record)

BLOCKS/MISC.

Non-Offensive TD: Alec Ogletree 55-yd. Ret. of blocked FG (C. Washington) ’12; Tim Jennings, 15-yd INT Ret., ’05
Blocked a Field Goal: 1, Sean Jones, ’03; Cornelius Washington, ’12, DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle, ’17
Blocked a PAT: 1, Kedric Golston, ’03
Blocked a Punt: 1, DeCory Bryant, ’02; Bryan McClendon, ’05
Returned a Blocked Kick For A TD: Alec Ogletree, 55 yards, ’12 (Off blocked FG by Cornelius Washington)
An Onside Kick Att./Successful: Brandon Bogotay recovered by Alec Ogletree, ’11
Faked A Punt: Alabama ’18 {Failed}; Faked a FG: n/a

The Bulldogs had six first-time starters on defense in their opener versus No. 11 Oregon: So. ILB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Fr. DE Mykel Williams, So. ILB Smael Mondon, So. DB Javon Bullard, So. DB Kamari Lassiter, Jr. N Nazir Stackhouse. Williams became just the ninth true freshman starter to make his debut in a season opener in the Kirby Smart era.

Samford: Fr. S Malaki Starks
South Carolina: Fr. WR Dillon Bell, Jr. DL Zion Logue, Sr. DL Tramel Walthour
Missouri: Jr. DB Tykee Smith (first start of his Bulldog career, 18th start of his career after transferring from West Virginia)
Auburn: Junior ILB Rian Davis
#1 Tennessee: RSo. OG Devin Willock

Georgia featured 12 true freshmen in its 2022 opener against No. 11 Oregon after having an NCAA record 15 players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. A total of 21 true freshmen have played during the 2022 campaign.

During the 2021 season opener, six true freshmen saw action against No. 3 Clemson in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium. In 2021, a total of 24 true freshmen played for the Bulldogs.

#11 Oregon: Nolan Smith, Kenny McIntosh, Christopher Smith, Sedrick Van Pran
Samford: Zion Logue, Warren Ericson, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint
S. Carolina: Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kearis Jackson, Warren McClendon
Kent State: Nolan Smith, Sedrick Van Pran, Darnell Washington, Chris Smith
Missouri: Brock Bowers, J. Dumas-Johnson, M. Rosemy-Jacksaint, Dan Jackson
Auburn: J. Dumas-Johnson, K. McIntosh, D. Washington, N. Smith
Vanderbilt: B. Bowers, Z. Logue, W. McClendon, J. Podlesny
Florida: Stetson Bennett, J. Dumas-Johnson, N. Smith, K. McIntosh
#1 Tennessee: J. Dumas-Johnson, K. McIntosh, S. Van Pran, C. Smith
Miss. State: Kamari Lassiter, J. Dumas-Johnson, W. McClendon, L. McConkey
Kentucky: K. Jackson, S. Van Pran, Nazir Stackhouse, Jalen Carter
Georgia Tech: W. McClendon, K. McIntosh, S. Bennett, C. Smith
SECCG-LSU:

GAME ONE:
UGA: 7 (Longest: 38-yd pass, Bennett to McIntosh)
#11 ORE: 0

GAME TWO:
UGA: 4 (Longest: 37-yd pass, Bennett to McConkey)
SAM: 1 (36-yd pass, Crittendon to King)

GAME THREE:
UGA: #1 UGA: 4 (Longest: 78-yd TD pass, Bennett to Bowers)
USC: 3 (Longest: 46-yd pass, Rattler to Bell)

GAME FOUR:
UGA: 3 (Longest: 75-yd TD run, Bowers)
KENT ST.: 3 (Longest: 56-yd TD pass, Schlee to Walker)

GAME FIVE:
UGA: 6 (Longest: 35-yd rush, Milton)
MIZ: 5 (Longest: 63-yd rush, Schrader)

GAME SIX:
UGA: 4 (Longest: 64-yd TD rush, Bennett)
AUB: 1 (62-yd TD pass, Ashford to Hunter

GAME SEVEN:
UGA: 6 (Longest: 36-yd TD rush, Jones)
VAN: none

GAME EIGHT:
UGA: 4 (Longest: 73-yd TD pass, Bennett to Bowers)
UF: 5 (Longest: 78-yd TD pass, Richardson to Henderson)

GAME NINE:
UGA: 3 (Longest: 52-yd pass, Bennett to Smith)
TENN: 1 (Longest: 28-yd pass, Hooker to Hyatt)

GAME 10:
UGA: 6 (Longest: 70-yd rushing TD, McConkey)
MSU: 5 (Longest: 63-yd punt return TD, Thomas)

GAME 11:
UGA: 3 (Longest: 45-yd INT ret., Ringo)
UK: 4 (Longest: 47-yd pass, Levis to Brown)

GAME 12:
UGA: #1 UGA: 5 (Longest: 83-yd pass, Bennett to McIntosh
GT: 3 (Longest: 41-yd pass, Gibson to Jenkins)

GAME 13 (SECCG):
UGA:
LSU:

Georgia is minus-2 in turnover margin. The Bulldogs have 47 points off 13 turnovers. Opponents have 43 points off 15 turnovers.

#11 Oregon: UGA got 14 pts. off 2 TOs; UGA did not have any TOs.
Samford: UGA got 3 pts. off 1 TO; UGA did not have any TOs.
S. Carolina: UGA got 14 pts. off 3 TOs; UGA did not have any TOs.
Kent State: UGA got no pts. off 1 TO; KSU got 3 pts. off 3 TOs.
Missouri: UGA did not force any TOs; MU got 3 pts. off 2 TOs.
Auburn: UGA got no pts. off 1 TO; AU got 3 pts. off 1 TO.
Vanderbilt: GA got 7 off 1 TO; UGA no TOs.
Florida: UGA got no TOs; UF got 10 pts. on 3 TOs
#1 Tennessee: UGA got 3 pts off 2 TOs; UT got 3 pts off 2 TOs
Miss. State: UGA got no TOs; MSU got 7 pts of 2 TOs
Kentucky: UGA got 3 pts off 1 TO; UK got no pts. off 1 TO
Georgia Tech: UGA got 3 pts off 1 TO; GT got 7 pts off 1 TO
SECCG-LSU:

Georgia leads the nation in RZO & RZD.

^No Points due to: BFG=Blocked FG; MFG=Missed FG; TO=Turnover; D=Downs; C=Clock; E=Expired (took a knee); P=Punt.

#11 Oregon: 7-for-7 (7 TDs )
Samford: 7-for-8 (3 TDs, 4 FGs, MFG)
S. Carolina: 5-for-5 (4 TDs, FG)
Kent State: 6-for-6 (3 TDs, 3 FGs)
Missouri: 5-for-5 (2 TDs, 3 FGs)
Auburn: 5-for-5 (5 TDs)
Vanderbilt: 7-for-7 (5 TDs, 2 FGs)
Florida: 4-for-4 (4 TDs)
#1 Tennessee: 4-for-4 (2 TDs, 2 FGs)
Miss. State: 5-for-5 (4 TDs, FG)
Kentucky 4-for-5 (TD, 3 FGs, D)
Georgia Tech 5-for-5 (3 TDs, 2 FGs)
LSU (SECCG)

#11 Oregon: 1-for-2 (FG, D)
Samford: none
S. Carolina: 1-for-2 (TD, TO)
Kent State: 2-for-2 (TD, FG)
Missouri: 2-for-2 (TD, FG)
Auburn: 1-for-1 (FG)
Vanderbilt: 0-for-1 (MFG)
Florida: 2-for-4 (TD, FG, 2Ds)
#1 Tennessee: 2-for-3 (TD, FG, D)
Miss. State: 3-for-4 (TD, 2 FGs, D)
Kentucky 1-for-3 (TD, INT, D)
Georgia Tech 1-for-1 (TD)
LSU (SECCG)

Georgia is averaging 38.2 points per game. The school record in a season with 12+ games is 41.3 set by the 2014 squad in 13 games.

Under Kirby Smart, Georgia’s best scoring output has been the 2021 national championship squad that averaged 38.6 points per game (ninth nationally) and featured the top scoring defense in the land (10.2 points per game).

Georgia scored touchdowns on its first seven possessions in its season-opening win over then No. 11 Oregon. The Bulldogs’ 46-point victory over the Ducks marked the largest margin over victory over a ranked opponent in school history. The previous high came in 1982 as No. 3 Georgia routed No. 20 Florida 44-0.

Georgia’s 41-point road victory over South Carolina was the largest in the series history that dates back to 1894. The Bulldogs’ 99-yard drive against Georgia Tech was the longest during the Kirby Smart era and tied a school record. Georgia needed just five plays in 2:23 to go the distance.

The Bulldogs’ 46-point victory over the Ducks marked the largest margin over victory over a ranked opponent in school history. The previous high came in 1982 as No. 3 Georgia routed No. 20 Florida 44-0.

Georgia’s 41-point road victory over South Carolina was the largest in the series history that dates back to 1894.