2022 UGA 2022 Football Season Recap and Next Year's Outlook

[Sarge]

The University of Georgia had a phenomenal bounce back season going 8-5 capping the season with a bowl win after finishing an absolutely abhorrent 1-11 in 2021. Changes to the offense gameplan midseason unlocked the team's full potential and allowed them go from 2-5 to rattling off six straight wins to include a win against CFP bound Tennessee.

 

First seven games of season PPG: 10.4

Last six games of season PPG: 28.6

 

Outman finally turned himself around and proved not only to the coaching staff and teammates but to the fans that he's the QB of the future in Athens and looks poised to carry the Bulldogs into the 2023 season which may be Georgia's best shot at the SEC East for the foreseeable future. Outman capped off his season by going 35 for 44, 403 yards 5 TDs and no picks against a Texas team that had the talent but didn't seem able to replicate last season's success. He also added 61 yards on the ground as he consistently moved the chains and avoided sacks much like did all season. The only thing Outman absolutely has to do is prevent the high INT numbers over the season as he threw 16, tied for most in the SEC with Auburn.

 

Aside from the quarterback, RB Antwuan Harris came onto his own and took a stranglehold on the starting RB position midseason. A lot of fans think he'll be the second coming of Aaron Lengel, who was the only bulldog drafted last year, in his senior year. WR Georges Garcia was an explosive play machine, constantly gashing defenses as he continued to move up the depth chart and earn more playing time but will have a tremendous task ahead as the new WR1 when Steve West, the all-time UGA receiver record holder, leaves most likely for the NFL Draft.

 

 

Defensively, the Bulldogs lose a large chunk of their snaps but fans shouldn't worry as last year's recruiting efforts and this year's will shore up holes. Defensive Captain LB Brett Lin will be the lynchpin for the defense as the DLine looks to continue its streak of soul crushing oppression on offensive lines next year. Cam Atchinson will get his opportunity to start and will be a huge boon for the edge rushing tandem that didn't find the QB as often as they'd like.

 

Eyes on the Future:

 

Returning Offensive Production:

Passing Yards: 100%

Rushing Yards: 78%

Receiving Yards: 51%

 

***Notable Losses***

WR Steve West

 

Returning Defensive Production:

Tackles

(LB): 50%

(DB): 43%

(DL): 44%

Sacks (Team): 46%

TFLs (Team): 50%

INTs (Team): 73%

 

***Notable Losses***

ILB Akiem Johnson

FS Shohei Catanzaro

CB Cesar Herrera

DT Casey Shaffer

 

Projected 2023 Spring Depth Chart (w/ 2022 class)

 

Recruiting:

Georgia performed admirably on the recruiting trail, signing its highest composite class ranking to date under Coach Sarge as they come in at #17 composite rank, #14 according to popular recruiting site Rivals 247, and #10 according to ESPN. Lots of needs were filled with the class and a haul of 7 blue chip 4*s were the crown jewel of the class. A lot of anticipation is on the defensive side of the ball once more as Sarge continues to bring in high caliber players on that side of the ball. Two freshmen look to be immediate players on defense for the Georgia Bulldogs with FS Dennis Germany needing to immediately fill big shoes with Catanzaro's departure. Additionally, the WR converted CB Johnny Hansford will likely see a lot of the field as the nickleback, hoping to alleviate pressure from Tate and Stewart.

 

 

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The Bulldogs have a great opportunity ahead of them for the 2023 season with CFP constant Tennessee losing world-beater running back Aldrick Ynoa, safety blanket WR Henderson, and a defense that has a question mark or two. Kentucky will likely be a major obstacle alongside Tennessee with the pure talent on the roster, but the Wildcats have got to spend the offseason figuring out the offense. If Outman takes the next step and continues his performances from the season defining winstreak, the Dawgs might have a legitimate chance at the East and maybe more...

 

That's all for the coverage on the Bulldogs, tune in next time!

[Sarge]

***Parenthetical letter grades are players I think will improve to the next letter in the OVR.