5 reasons Georgia makes the 2019 College Football Playoff

3. The defense will remain strong

There is going to be a lot of talk about Georgia’s defense heading into the 2018 season in regards to their title chances this season. After all, that group was a definitive strength for the Bulldogs last season, but is now left to cope with the losses of key players. Not just key players, but elite-level talents and leaders like Roquan Smith, Davin Bellamy, Lorenzo Carter and several others. Replacing those guys certainly won’t be easy.

While it won’t be easy, there are two things that need to be considered. The first has already been touched on in a way when talking about Smart. Even this short into his tenure, Smart has proven that he can both coach up his defense and can recruit at an elite level. That doesn’t mean the “next Roquan Smith” is waiting in the wings, but it means that there will be talent to help deal with the departures on defense.

The second part of the equation simply boils down to a shifting strength of the Georgia defense. With the aforementioned players last season, in addition to the likes of Trenton Thompson, the strength last season was in the front-seven. With the 2018 group, that strength will instead shift to the secondary. With Deandre Baker and J.R. Reed anchoring the group, this team could have one of the better defensive back groups in college football.

Yes, Smart’s team will need the front seven to still be good if they’re to be successful. Having said that, when you have a potentially elite unit elsewhere on the defense in addition to high-level recruiting and talent turnover, things are going to be just fine when it comes to dealing with losses.