Georgia football struggle continues as Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs fall short against Alabama. Explore defensive line issues, coaching decisions, and what Georgia must fix to reclaim dominance in the SEC.
Georgia Football Struggle: Breaking Down the Bulldogs’ New Weakness
The phrase Georgia football struggle has become a reality for the Bulldogs this season after their 24-21 loss to Alabama in Athens. Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has built one of the most dominant programs in the nation, winning multiple national titles and assembling elite defenses. But their Achilles heel remains the same: Alabama.
Even more troubling, Georgia’s football struggle is no longer just about Alabama’s dominance. For the first time in years, the Bulldogs’ defensive line — once the crown jewel of their dynasty — looks vulnerable. That weakness has left fans and analysts asking a serious question: Has Georgia lost its edge in the trenches?
Kirby Smart’s Record: Alabama Still the Problem
Kirby Smart has built an incredible record at Georgia, boasting a 55-2 record against everyone else over the last five years. Yet when it comes to Alabama, his Bulldogs are just 1-4, including back-to-back defeats against new Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.
| Opponent | Record Under Kirby Smart (Last 5 Years) |
|---|---|
| All teams except Bama | 55-2 |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 1-4 |
This lopsided split defines the Georgia football struggle. The Bulldogs can dominate the rest of the SEC but consistently stumble against Alabama.
Georgia’s Defensive Line Issues
For years, Georgia’s defensive front terrorized opponents. But the current Georgia football struggle lies in the trenches. The Bulldogs’ defensive line looks like a shadow of its former self.
- Georgia entered the Alabama game last in the SEC in tackles for loss (4.7 per game).
- They rank second-worst in sacks (1.7 per game).
- Only Jordan Hall recorded a stop behind the line against Alabama.
This lack of pressure allowed Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson to stay comfortable, especially during the Tide’s two first-half scoring drives that chewed up clock and wore down Georgia’s defense.
| Defensive Stat (SEC Rank) | Georgia 2025 |
|---|---|
| Tackles for Loss | 4.7 (14th) |
| Sacks per Game | 1.7 (13th) |
| Run Defense | Below SEC Avg |
The Bulldogs’ defensive line used to be the reason no one wanted to face them. Now, it’s the reason their football struggle has become more visible.
Coaching Decisions Add to the Struggles
Another layer of the Georgia football struggle comes from questionable coaching calls. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and Kirby Smart made decisions against Alabama that left fans scratching their heads.
- Opting for a fourth-and-1 run with Cash Jones instead of kicking a chip-shot field goal.
- Leaning on Jones again in a crucial third-and-9 situation behind two freshman blockers.
- Passing up easy points in a close game — a decision that proved costly.
Smart took responsibility afterward, but these moments highlight how even elite coaches can contribute to the Georgia football struggle.
Georgia’s Recent Decline in the Trenches
The Bulldogs lost three games last season because of their inability to run the football, finishing 102nd nationally in rushing offense. This year, while their ground game has improved (227 yards vs Alabama), their defensive front has collapsed.
The identity of Georgia football under Smart has always been physical dominance in the trenches. Without that, the Bulldogs no longer strike fear into opponents. The Georgia football struggle now looks like a broader identity crisis.
Alabama Exploiting Georgia’s Weakness
Credit also goes to Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who completely out-schemed Georgia in the first half. The Tide put together back-to-back 14-play drives and converted eight third downs, something Georgia’s defenses of old never allowed.
This game underscored the current Georgia football struggle: Alabama finds ways to adapt, while Georgia struggles to respond until it’s too late.
Can Georgia Fix Its Struggles?
Despite their weaknesses, Georgia still showed flashes of greatness. The defense allowed only 60 yards in the third quarter and held Alabama scoreless in the second half. These adjustments prove the Bulldogs still have talent, but consistency is missing.
For Georgia to overcome the football struggle, they must:
- Re-establish dominance at the line of scrimmage.
- Develop pass rushers who can pressure elite quarterbacks.
- Improve short-yardage play-calling.
- Learn to close out big games with discipline.
Fan Reactions to Georgia Football Struggle
The Georgia football struggle has divided the fan base. Some remain confident in Smart’s long-term plan, while others fear the dynasty is slipping.
| Fan Perspective | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Optimists | “Kirby will fix the trenches; it’s just a down year.” |
| Concerned Fans | “The dynasty is crumbling without a dominant D-line.” |
| Critical Voices | “Smart can’t get past Alabama, and that defines him.” |
The frustration is amplified because Georgia had won 33 straight home games before this loss. Losing to Alabama at home made the football struggle feel even more painful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Georgia football struggle this season?
The main Georgia football struggle is the lack of dominance on the defensive line and repeated failures against Alabama.
2. Why does Kirby Smart struggle against Alabama?
Alabama consistently out-executes Georgia in big games, and Smart’s coaching decisions have often backfired.
3. How has Georgia’s defensive line performed in 2025?
Georgia ranks last in the SEC in tackles for loss and near the bottom in sacks per game, showing a sharp decline.
4. Did Georgia’s offense improve this year?
Yes, Georgia’s rushing attack has improved, but offensive play-calling mistakes have still cost them in big moments.
5. Can Georgia still win the SEC in 2025?
Yes, but they must fix their defensive line struggles and win upcoming key matchups to stay in playoff contention.
Conclusion
The Georgia football struggle has shifted from being only about Alabama to something bigger: a collapse in the trenches that once defined their dominance. Unless Kirby Smart and his staff fix the defensive line and sharpen late-game decisions, the Bulldogs risk losing their status as the SEC’s top powerhouse.
For now, the dynasty feels vulnerable — and Alabama remains the unsolved puzzle at the heart of the Georgia football struggle.