ATHENS — New Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken has an advantage over every coordinator in the SEC and perhaps the nation this spring.
And it has nothing to do with the fresh and exciting schemes and ideas Monken figures to bring to the Bulldogs’ offense with his “Air Raid” background.
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No, the advantage is already at Georgia, on the other side of the ball: A championship defense. The Bulldogs were No. 1 in the nation in scoring defenses and against the run last season.
Coach Kirby Smart has always stressed the importance of raising the bar in practices and competing at a championship level.
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That will be more important than ever in spring drills. Georgia will begin spring practice in March and culminate with the G-Day Game on April 18.
The Bulldogs bring back nine of 11 starters from the Sugar Bowl squad that triumphed over then-No. 7 Baylor, 26-14.
Whatever offense Monken trots on the field will face a litmus test like no other on a daily basis in both the structured and voluntary practices.
Georgia’s quarterback derby is sure to get a run from Smart’s defense.
Incoming grad-transfer Jamie Newman is the favorite among a group that includes early enrollee Carson Beck, redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis and junior Stetson Bennett.
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But nothing is settled, and it will all play out on the field.
Monken, like any other coach, must first identify his players’ strengths before building an offense and scheme around them.
It’s a safe bet the Bulldogs will utilize its quarterbacks’ mobility more often. From a philosophy standpoint, UGA will likely look to spread the field and create more explosive plays.
Thanks to the Georgia defense, it shouldn’t be too hard to separate the contenders from the pretenders at the skill positions and under center.
