Bulldogs to Watch: Georgia vs. Notre Dame 2025
Mike Bobo (Offensive Coordinator) – Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, faces an intriguing challenge as the Bulldogs enter their first playoff game with the expanded 12-team format. With the likely loss of their starting quarterback from the past two seasons, Bobo must now adjust to coaching an offense led by Rabun County native Gunner Stockton. Bobo has the chance to develop a unique offensive identity with Stockton’s dual-threat ability. Although slightly smaller than Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, fans might see Bobo incorporate elements from Georgia Tech’s former offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner.
Trevor Etienne (RB #1) – The former Florida transfer is now an SEC Champion, which was the main reason he chose Georgia in the first place—to compete for championships. Trevor Etienne recently had a standout performance, scoring the only touchdown for the Bulldogs in a game where they triumphed over the Longhorns. Etienne rushed for 94 yards on 16 carries, including two touchdowns, one of which came in overtime to seal the victory. Despite not playing since early November, Etienne pushed through to perform in the SEC title game and will need to deliver another key performance against the Irish on New Year’s Day.
Oscar Delp (TE #4) – Tight ends came into the spotlight in the second half of the SEC Championship when Gunner Stockton took over. While Delp didn’t show up heavily on the stat sheet, he made one of the game’s most crucial plays by earning a tough first down in overtime. This allowed the Bulldogs to win in just one overtime, not the expected eight. Delp and fellow tight end Lawson Luckie’s performances will be key in helping Stockton succeed in his first start.
Jared Wilson (C #55) – Redshirt junior center Jared Wilson entered Georgia as a three-star recruit but has quickly risen to being a projected day-two NFL draft pick. Coach Kirby Smart and the rest of the offensive line have praised his athleticism. Wilson has developed a strong connection with his teammates, and following the tense game against Georgia Tech, I saw him embrace linebacker Jalon Walker.
CJ Allen (LB #3) – Georgia’s linebacker corps has excelled when it counted most. The entire defensive front has been dominant. Allen and the defense held Texas to just 32 rushing yards on 28 attempts, a remarkable feat considering Texas had rushed for 292 yards against Clemson earlier in the playoffs. Allen was second in tackles during the SEC Championship and also recorded an impactful pass breakup. The sophomore linebacker is primed for a strong showing in his first playoff game.
Daylen Everette (CB #6) – Texas seems to be a team Daylen Everette enjoys facing. He had two interceptions against the Longhorns, forcing multiple turnovers. Now, against Riley Leonard, Everette will look to repeat his strong performance. Having played his best football this season, he has earned spots on the Reese’s Senior Bowl and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists.
Malaki Starks (Safety #24) – The standout safeties from Georgia, including Dan Jackson, KJ Bolden, and Malaki Starks, have been key figures in the Bulldogs’ secondary. Starks leads the team in total tackles and is an experienced junior with aspirations of competing in the college football playoffs again, with the goal of winning his second national championship.
Charley Trippi led the Bulldogs to a 20-10 victory over North Carolina in New Orleans on 1/1/47, capping an undefeated 11-0 season, highlighted by a Sugar Bowl-record 67-yard touchdown to Dan Edwards.
In Georgia’s 17-10 win over Notre Dame on 1/1/81, senior linebacker Frank Ros recorded 17 tackles and forced a fumble, which was recovered by senior rover Chris Welton, who also had seven tackles.
The Bulldogs cruised to a 41-10 victory over undefeated Hawaii in New Orleans on 1/1/08, with Knowshon Moreno running for two touchdowns and the defense sacking QB Colt Brennan eight times.
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