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    Josh Pate Reveals Kirby Smart's 'Biggest Concern' for Georgia Football

    By Benedetto Vitale,

    7 hours ago

    The Georgia Bulldogs are currently favored to make the College Football Playoff and potentially win the National Championship. However, the program faces an incredibly difficult schedule. On top of that, the roster isn't perfect either. Josh Pate of CBS Sports reveals the "biggest concern" for Kirby Smart and his team ahead of the 2024 season.

    During his latest episode of Late Kick with Josh Pate , the popular sports analyst reveals that Smart believes the Bulldogs' pass rush is a key area of concern. Georgia didn't have the most efficient pass rush last season and that could carry over to the 2024 college football season.

    Pate makes it clear that it's not just getting sacks. Rushing the quarterback pays dividends as it can force the opposing quarterback to throw early and make a mistake. The entire concept of getting after the quarterback is potentially the biggest flaw in Georgia.

    "When we talked to Kirby in February, we went down their did a whole show in Georgia. Had [Smart] on the show for 30 minutes. He said that was one of his biggest concerns. 'Can we get after the quarterback enough this year?'"

    The Bulldogs came in 47th in the country in terms of sacking the quarterback last season. Despite that, Georgia maintains one of the best defenses in the entire nation. To say the least, Smart's team is decent within the defensive line, but there is certainly room for improvement.

    Luckily, Georgia has a rather stout secondary this year. It's led by junior cornerback Daylen Everette, who recorded 29 total tackles, five pass deflections, and one interception last season. Additionally, freshman cornerback Ellis Robinson IV is considered a freak who plays much more maturely than his age.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1aj3yw_0uqqwFE400
    Kirby Smart speaks to the media on the first day of practice on Thursday, Aug 1, 2024.

    © Joshua L&period Jones &sol USA TODAY NETWORK

    When it comes down to it, the Bulldogs are in line to be a National Championship contender this season. Although they have a tough schedule ahead, Georgia has one of the most stacked rosters in the country. Smart's team faces multiple top opponents this year, including Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Ole Miss, and Tennessee.

    Smart has done a phenomenal job as Georgia's head coach. Since being hired in 2016, Smart has led the Bulldogs to a 94-16 record and has never held a losing record during that span. Additionally, this program has won two National Championships, with Smart leading the way. The Bulldogs open up the 2024 season with a home game against Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers on August 31.

    Related: CFB Analyst Questions Kirby Smart's Discipline Policy After Recent Georgia Arrests

    Related: Bruce Feldman Identifies 5 College Football Teams 'Best Equipped' for NIL, Transfer Portal Era

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