PMGN Archive: 2019
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Georgia began 2019 with its third straight year in the playoff conversation, again led by Kirby Smart and a roster headlined by quarterback Jake Fromm, tailback D’Andre Swift, and a punishing defense. Ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, the Dawgs opened strong, including a statement win over No. 7 Notre Dame under the lights at Sanford Stadium.
Midseason brought turbulence: a stunning double-overtime loss at home to South Carolina exposed offensive struggles, particularly in the passing game. Georgia rebounded with grit, grinding out victories over rivals Florida, Auburn, and Texas A&M behind a dominant defense that allowed just one rushing touchdown all regular season.
For the third year in a row, Georgia claimed the SEC East and a spot in Atlanta. This time, however, the SEC Championship Game against LSU was one-sided—Joe Burrow’s Tigers proved unstoppable en route to their own national title run, handing Georgia a decisive 37–10 defeat.
The Bulldogs finished the year in the Sugar Bowl once again, but unlike the year before, they responded with focus and physicality, beating Baylor 26–14 to close the season 12–2. While the offense sputtered at times, the 2019 team left its mark with one of the most stifling defenses in school history and another East Division crown.