Georgia's Achilles Heel Identified For 2024 Season

Georgia might be the top dog in college football entering the 2024 season, but the Bulldogs aren't bulletproof.

ESPN recently revealed areas of concern for teams in its post-spring top 25 poll and listed a suspect pass-rush as Georgia's biggest question mark.

"Georgia lost only one game last season and led the SEC in scoring defense," wrote Mark Schlabach, "But the Bulldogs struggled to consistently produce a pass rush."

"Georgia had 30 sacks in 2023, which ranked ninth in the SEC," Schlabach continued.

Junior Jalon Walker led the team with five sacks as a sophomore. Schlabach pointed to Mykel Williams, who was second on the team last season in sacks (4.5), as a player who must be a difference-maker for the Bulldogs defense.

Schlabach described Williams as a "potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft" and wrote, "He'll play at outside linebacker in 2024, a move the coaching staff hopes will free him up to rush the passer more consistently."

The Bulldogs' 2024 schedule is challenging, including a neutral-site game against Clemson to open the season and trips to Alabama (Sept. 28), Texas (Oct. 19) and Ole Miss (Nov. 9).

The Tide, Longhorns and Rebels have quarterbacks unafraid to use their legs. Per data from Pro Football Focus, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers gained 224 yards on 26 quarterback scrambles last season, while Dart had 229 yards on 27 attempts. Milroe was credited with 55 scrambles for 521 yards.

Without an elite pass rush, each could potentially exploit Georgia's weakness.

However, even with questions about about how it will generate pressure, Georgia is the favorite to win not only the SEC but the College Football Playoff national championship.

The SEC media voted Georgia the No. 1 team in its preseason poll. Per ESPN's Football Power Index , the Bulldogs have the best odds of winning the national title at 21 percent.