Newcomer Overview: How Have the New Georgia Bulldogs Performed Halfway Through Season

Starting the season with a 6-0 record, the Georgia Bulldogs have had some new faces help them reach this point in the season.

The 2023 season has provided a new identity for the Georgia Bulldogs than what fans are used to. Many new faces on the ball's offensive and defensive sides have helped Georgia reach this point in the season, such as newcomer Rara Thomas. Before the Bulldogs travel to Nashville, TN, to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores, Dawgs Daily is here with an overview of how the new Bulldogs have performed halfway through the 2023 season. 

Offense 

Roderick Robinson II and Andrew Paul were two freshmen who really helped keep the Georgia running game alive while Kendall Milton got back from injury and the Bulldogs' offense found their identity for 2023. The two freshman backs saw a majority of their snaps played against the "cupcake" opponents from Georgia's season and have combined for 33 carries and 137 yards for an average of 7.2 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Since Daijun Edwards has found his role as the starting back in Milton's absence, and Dillon Bell has begun to be used as a running back, Robinson's and Paul's game time has been limited. The two freshmen have their taste of in-game experience and have proved thus far the duo will be lethal for the Bulldogs in the future. 

Though the Bulldogs rushing game hasn't been playing to the expected standard, one of the best all-around receiving rooms in the SEC has kept their offense going and become the identity of the 2023 Georgia Bulldogs offense. With familiar faces in the midst of career years, new faces have come in and made an immediate impact for Carson Beck and Mike Bobo. 

WR, RaRa Thomas vs Auburn

Rara Thomas and Dominic Lovett are two of the seven Georgia receivers who have hauled in over 100 yards, as they sit at third and fourth, respectively, in overall receiving stats. The pair have combined for 36 receptions for 440 receiving yards and an emphatic touchdown that Thomas hauled in over the head of a Kentucky defender. Alongside them has been freshman C.J. Smith, who hasn't seen the same amount of playing time as Thomas and Lovett but has made his presence known. Smith is the seventh receiver to haul in over 100 yards in the air, catching five passes in the first four games of the season to reach this total. He, just like Robinson and Paul, could help lead the Bulldogs if his development continues to progress as it has thus far. 

Georgia Cornerback Daylen Everrette breaks up a pass vs Auburn. 

Defense 

Glenn Schumann's defense had to replace some of the biggest keys to their defense in 2022 this season, as it seems they have to do every year. But, what is different from this year compared to most is the amount of freshmen who have seen crucial playing time for Schumann. Guys such as C.J. Allen, Julian Humphrey, and Christen Miller have opened the eyes of analysts and fans thus far into the season. 

Allen has played four of the six games Georgia has played, his last being against Auburn, where he bumped his season total stats to ten total tackles, which currently sits at 12th on the team. Humphrey has been trying to solidify himself into the starting role in the CB2 spot and has had the opportunities to prove it. Playing in five of the six games, racking up eight tackles, and helping Georgia only give up 997 passing yards, which ranks 12th in the country. Miller has been a posing force on the interior of the defensive line. Standing at 6'4 and weighing about 300 pounds, Miller has picked up eight tackles, tied with Humphrey for 15th on the team. These young stars are showing good promise for the future of Georgia's defense. 

The Georgia Bulldogs will once again hit the road this Saturday as they travel to Nashville, Tennessee to face SEC East opponent, the Vanderbilt Commodores. This will be the 81st matchup between these two teams in a series that Georgia dominates 60-20.  They will look to improve their record to 7-0 before they take a week off to prepare for the Florida Gators.