3 teams that could beat Kirby Smart's Georgia in 2024 CFB season
It's a beautiful time to be a Georgia football fan. With two titles in the last three seasons and a 42-2 record in that span, Georgia has been at the top of the college football world. But with a 12-team Playoff and a bulked-up SEC, the world of college football is noticeably shifting.
While Georgia will probably keep it all under control, here are some teams that could surprise the Bulldogs in 2024.
3 teams that could beat Georgia in 2024
1. Alabama (Sept. 28)
Everybody in the SEC will be watching this one. Alabama has delivered the only two Georgia losses in that 42-2 run over the past three seasons. That said, Georgia won against Alabama in the 2021 national title game. These two programs have been atop the SEC for years, but Georgia seems to have gotten the leg up.
With the retirement of Nick Saban and the addition of Texas to the SEC, that picture is more complicated. Does Alabama actually belong in the same conversation as Georgia? Defending their home field against the Bulldogs would be a big first step.
Kalen DeBoer's system should make Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe even more dangerous. Georgia sacked Milroe four times in last season's SEC championship game loss.
Meanwhile, Alabama held Georgia to just 78 rushing yards (2.5 yards per carry) in that game. Look for Georgia to play some old-time power football to establish the run in 2024.
2. Texas (Oct. 19)
A second massive road test will await in Texas. The Longhorns have a deep and talented roster. QB Quinn Ewers is one of the nation's best, and Texas's receiver depth is top tier.
The big question mark of this matchup is whether the Texas defense can control Georgia's offense. Georgia hasn't played in Austin since 1958, so there's no real immediate point of comparison. Texas did a great job against the run in 2024, allowing just 82 yards per game (2.9 yards per carry).
A season ago, Texas upset Alabama on the road, helped by a +2 turnover margin. The Longhorns might need a similar advantage to beat Georgia.
3. Ole Miss (Nov. 9)
There is probably a theme here. Georgia doesn't have a particularly tough home schedule. Tennessee is probably the toughest team coming to Athens. But on the road, the Bulldogs will be tested.
Lane Kiffin's fifth Ole Miss team looks like his best ever. Kiffin was aggressive in the transfer portal, bringing in some serious muscle to town. That said, Georgia has won the last nine games in the matchup. A season ago, Georgia crushed Ole Miss 52-17, rushing for 300 yards and passing for 311.
Pete Golding will shore up the Rebels defense before November. This is really the last stiff challenge the Bulldogs will face before a likely SEC championship game battle. It could be one for all ages.
Which teams do you think can beat Georgia in 2024? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!