NEW ORLEANS – The Georgia Bulldogs saw their season come to an end for the second consecutive year in New Orleans, as they fell to the Ole Miss Rebels 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl on January 1. This defeat marked Georgia”s fifth loss in eight appearances at the Sugar Bowl, leaving their all-time record in this game at 5-8.
After this loss, Georgia concluded its season with a record of 12-2. The Bulldogs managed to score three touchdowns during the game, yet they only amassed 343 yards of total offense. Running back Nate Frazier had a solid performance with 86 yards on 15 carries, while Colbie Young made a notable return with a 13-yard reception. Despite some inconsistency in run blocking, quarterback Gunner Stockton demonstrated resilience, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for another, finishing with 203 yards.
The Georgia defense received a grade of C for its performance. Despite a game-changing 47-yard scoop-and-score touchdown by Daylen Everette, the Bulldogs allowed 473 total yards to the Rebels, including 362 yards through the air and two touchdowns from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. The ground game was also a challenge, with Kewan Lacy contributing two rushing touchdowns among his 98 yards. The Bulldogs faced additional setbacks as they lost linebacker Raylen Wilson to injury and safety JaCorey Thomas to an ejection for targeting, although Wilson later returned. Outside linebacker Quintavious Johnson stood out with two pass breakups and the defense made a crucial fourth-down stop early in the third quarter.
On special teams, the Bulldogs earned a B grade. Punter Brett Thorson had four punts averaging 48.5 yards, with two pinned inside the 20-yard line. Notably, the Rebels did not gain any return yards on either punts or kickoffs. Kicker Peyton Woodring missed a 55-yard field goal attempt but successfully converted kicks from 37 and 24 yards. A clever fake punt that resulted in a completion from Landon Roldan to Lawson Luckie also added some excitement to the special teams” play.
Coaching received a grade of C as well, as even head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged that the Bulldogs were outcoached. A critical fourth-and-2 play that concluded with a sack on Gunner Stockton reflected a lack of execution from both players and coaching staff. The ultimate goal is to win and progress, but Georgia fell short once again in the playoff quarterfinals.
Overall, the Bulldogs had a commendable season, clinching the SEC championship, an achievement that many other teams in the SEC would envy. However, the disappointment of being eliminated in their first playoff game indicates that Georgia”s aspirations extend beyond just conference titles. After maximizing their potential in Atlanta, the loss in the playoff highlights a season that ended earlier than hoped.
This analysis originally appeared in the Athens Banner-Herald following Georgia”s defeat in the CFP Sugar Bowl.
