In the world of college football, few programs have been as dominant in recent years as the Georgia Bulldogs. From 2021 to 2023, the Bulldogs boasted one of the most potent offenses in the nation, consistently finishing with a top-10 scoring offense. In 2022 and 2023, Georgia ranked fifth in scoring, a testament to their dynamic offensive strategies and ability to capitalize on their talent. However, the 2024 season marked a significant downturn in offensive production, with Georgia finishing 38th in the nation in scoring offense—a steep decline from their previous heights.
This past season, Georgia faced uncharacteristic struggles on offense, including three games where they failed to score at least 20 points. For comparison, in the three prior seasons combined, Georgia had only two games where they scored fewer than 20 points: a 10-3 victory over Clemson in 2021 and a 16-6 win against Kentucky in 2022. These numbers underscore a troubling trend for a program that has prided itself on offensive dominance.
The offensive struggles have led to widespread criticism and calls for change, with CBS Sports analyst John Talty suggesting that Georgia head coach Kirby Smart should reconsider the role of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. Talty proposed that Bobo be moved to an off-field role to make way for a more innovative play-caller who can revitalize Georgia’s offense.
Bobo, a former Georgia quarterback, has deep ties to the program. He played alongside Smart in the late 1990s and served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator under head coach Mark Richt from 2007 to 2014. After returning to Athens as an offensive analyst in 2022, Bobo was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023 following the departure of Todd Monken, who left to join the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite his extensive experience and history with the program, Bobo’s performance as offensive coordinator has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike. According to Talty, Bobo lacks the creativity and strategic play-calling ability that Monken brought to the table. Talty argued that Georgia’s offensive woes in 2024 highlighted the need for a fresh approach, particularly given the program’s recent challenges in maintaining its talent advantage over opponents. This was evident in Georgia’s loss to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, where the Bulldogs struggled to execute effectively on offense.
One of the key issues, Talty noted, was the performance of Georgia’s offensive line. The unit’s struggles against Notre Dame pointed to potential coaching and developmental shortcomings, further fueling calls for a shake-up in the coaching staff. Talty emphasized that with Georgia’s talent advantage narrowing, the program needs an offensive coordinator capable of innovation and adaptability—qualities that critics believe Bobo has failed to demonstrate.
Bobo’s critics are not limited to analysts and fans. Former Georgia players have also voiced their concerns about the direction of the offense. Knowshon Moreno, a former Bulldogs running back who played under Bobo’s guidance during his college career, expressed frustration with the play-calling in Georgia’s loss to Notre Dame. Speaking candidly, Moreno questioned the offensive decisions made during the game and the overall approach throughout the season.
“I said it too many times this year, and I said it in this game, like, bro, what’s going on? What are we calling?” Moreno said. “Why are we playing like this? So all last night after that game I was disappointed. I can’t believe we lost that game. And wake up this morning and felt the same way. But just a lot of mistakes all the way through. Some from players, but mostly from the people up top.”
Moreno’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many Georgia fans who have grown frustrated with the team’s offensive regression in 2024. While some of the blame may fall on execution by players, the overarching critique has centered on the coaching staff’s ability to adapt and innovate. Bobo, as the offensive coordinator, has been at the center of this scrutiny.
Despite the criticism, it’s important to acknowledge Bobo’s long history with Georgia and the loyalty he shares with Smart. As close friends and former teammates, Smart and Bobo have a deep bond that complicates the decision-making process. However, the calls for change have grown louder, and it remains to be seen whether Smart will make the difficult decision to reassess Bobo’s role within the program.
The 2024 season was a wake-up call for Georgia, particularly as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025 campaign. While the Bulldogs remain one of college football’s premier programs, the margin for error is shrinking as other teams close the gap. To maintain their position at the top, Georgia must address their offensive shortcomings and make the necessary adjustments to compete at the highest level.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Kirby Smart and the decisions he makes regarding his coaching staff. The question now is whether Smart will prioritize innovation and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football or remain loyal to his longtime friend and colleague. For Georgia fans, the hope is that whatever changes are made will reignite the Bulldogs’ offensive firepower and restore the program to its former glory.
