Georgia Bulldogs Enter SEC Media Days with Eyes on Three-Peat
Nashville, Tenn. – The Georgia Bulldogs have their sights set on making history as they aim to become the first team to win three consecutive national championships since Minnesota did so in the pre-World War II era. Head coach Kirby Smart and his team addressed their three-peat quest at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, highlighting their determination to avoid complacency.
Complacency ranks high among the concerns for the Bulldogs as they strive for greatness. Smart explained that the team combats this threat by adopting the mindset of “better never rests.” Recognizing complacency as a danger is the first step in ensuring they do not fall into this trap.
Smart stressed that combating complacency is a collective effort within the program, regardless of individual roles. It requires a day-by-day, step-by-step process that is constantly evolving. The Bulldogs aim to cultivate a culture that thinks independently of outcomes, eschewing ego and focusing on collective success.
The Bulldogs’ ability to maintain their elite level of success over the past two seasons has been rooted in perfecting the “next man up” approach. When key players have departed, such as Jordan Davis on the defensive line, others have effortlessly stepped in to fill their shoes—like Jalen Carter. The team’s talent pipeline remains strong, with 10 players from last year’s championship-winning team being selected in the recent NFL Draft.
Georgia has also been successful in retaining high school recruits. Despite the limited opportunities during the 2021 recruiting cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 of the 20 signees have remained with the Bulldogs. Smart believes these young players have seen the benefits of staying with the program and witnessed the success and leadership of previous players.
Smart draws inspiration from the New Zealand All Blacks, one of the most successful Rugby teams globally, adopting their mantra of “better never rests.” The Bulldogs study the All Blacks’ principles weekly, immersing themselves in a century of success to strengthen their own journey.
While the Bulldogs’ three-peat aspirations are commendable, Smart acknowledges the difficulties of achieving this feat. As a member of the Alabama coaching staff in 2013, Smart experienced firsthand the challenge of falling short of a three-peat. The Crimson Tide’s undefeated season unraveled in a heartbreaking loss to Auburn.
In history, 12 teams have come close to a three-peat but ultimately failed. Smart’s focus remains on the present, prioritizing the daily grind over grand accomplishments. If the Bulldogs were to reach a position where a three-peat is possible, Smart vows to maintain the same mindset that has brought them success thus far.
While the road to a three-peat is long and arduous, Georgia Bulldogs fans can rest assured that their team is committed to the process. With a determined coach at the helm and a roster geared towards continuous improvement, the Bulldogs hope to etch their names in history as they chase their three-peat dream.