By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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The modern game, especially in an era of widespread offensive proficiency, simply hasn’t seen many defenses quite like the 2021 Georgia edition.

With each and every week, Georgia’s defense continues to show why it belongs in any disscusion about the best units in recent college football history. As more data is compiled, all while more opponent production is not, the Bulldogs only continue to be better positioned for any generational evaluation. The modern game, especially in an era of widespread offensive proficiency, simply hasn’t seen many defenses quite like the 2021 Georgia edition.

This isn’t hyperbole, it’s hype that is warranted and well-earned alike.

At the halfway point of the regular season, Georgia leads the nation in total defense (207.1), scoring defense (6.6), passing defense (142.9), yards per attempt (5.0), redzone touchdown percentage (27.27%) and plays of 20 yards or more (14), is tied for first in rushing touchdowns (1), ranks second in rush defense (64.29), yards per carry (2.18), pass defense rating (94.01), passing touchdowns (3) and plays of ten yards or more (49), is third in plays of 30 yards or more (6), fourth in plays of 40 yards or more (2) and fifth in sacks (25).

The Bulldogs have allowed only four offensive touchdowns, two of them coming in the fourth quarters of lopsided contents. Georgia, defensively, has even scored twice. Remarkably, the longest play that has occured when the Bulldogs’ defense has been on the field is cornerback Christopher Smith’s 74-yard interception return for a touchdown against Clemson back in week one.

What is really amazing is that Georgia, with expectations that are only becoming more and more unrealistic, by traditional metrics, every week, has been at its best on the big stage. The Bulldogs have already played four nationally-ranked teams this season: Clemson, Arkansas, Auburn and Kentucky; those four teams combined for an average of just 6.5 points and 222.25 yards per game. For point of reference, the national leaders in scoring and total defense a year ago gave up 13 points and 275.3 yards per outing. Georgia is on another level.

These Bulldogs are in the conversation with Alabama’s 2011 all-time defense, a group which finished the year allowing 183.6 yards and 8.2 points per game. Georgia is currently at 207.1 and 6.6, a number which is actually 5.6 in terms of points given up by the defense.

A lot of football remains for the Bulldogs. Though the season has just now settled in, this Georgia defense already has a place in history. Good luck moving the Bulldogs off of that spot.