By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia, regardless of the stage or opponent, is playing with a championship consistency and purpose.

It’s one thing to have hype and high expectations in the summer. It’s another to validate it all in the fall. Not long after being talked about as a leading contender, Georgia has both looked and played the part. The Bulldogs, beating top five Clemson in week one and then winning consecutive games over UAB and South Carolina by a combined score of 96-20, have arguably been college football’s most impressive team. At a place where Kirby Smart has talked about pressure being a privilege, Georgia has taken all of the attention in stride.

Not just hitting the ground running, the Bulldogs are already in an all-out sprint.

Three weeks into the season, Georgia is ranked second in the country, the lone team nationally with any first place votes after Alabama. This is a team that has earned its time in the spotlight, holding Clemson to just a field goal and overwhelming defending Conference USA champion UAB and South Carolina, debuting starting quarterback Luke Doty, by a total margin of 61-6 by halftime. From game one to the intermissions of the next two, the Bulldogs haven’t needed much time to flex their muscle.

At this point, Georgia’s defense has scored just as many touchdowns as the defense has allowed.

Already win a signature, top ten win on the resume, the Bulldogs have three games remaining with teams currently ranked in the national top 25: Florida, Arkansas and Auburn. Georgia will spend the rest of the regular season directly in the spotlight. The Bulldogs, looking ahead to a potential SEC Championship Game with top-ranked Alabama and the College Football Playoff, plan on finishing the season there, too.

The defensive numbers are staggering. Georgia ranks third nationally in scoring defense and total defense, fifth in quarterback rating, fifth in sacks, ninth in interceptions, is one of just six teams to have not allowed a rushing score, is one of just two teams to have not allowed a redzone touchdown, is giving up the fifth-fewest first downs per game and only four teams have held foes to fewer plays of ten-plus yards. Tackle Jordan Davis and linebackers Adam Anderson, Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith have starred. Countless players have contributed; the Bulldogs don’t have anyone in the top 25 in the league in tackles.

Only Matt Corral and Ole Miss in the SEC have been more proficient through the air — and barely. J.T. Daniels threw for 311 yards and three touchdowns in his return. The week before, Stetson Bennett threw for five scores in the first half. Brock Bowers is tied for the Power Five lead for tight ends with 203 yards. Jermaine Burton and Adonai Mitchell are averaging 21.6 and 19.8 yards per catch. While some have criticized Georgia’s run game, the Bulldogs have increased their yardage, average and touchdowns each week. Just Auburn, of league teams, has allowed fewer sacks. The Bulldogs rank 5th in the county in third down conversions.

For good measure, Georgia is even tied for first nationally in punt coverage.

The Bulldogs are talented and experienced. Georgia has great depth and balance. Additionally, the Bulldogs look comfortable under the bright lights and eager for each and every opportunity. Simply put, Georgia is doing what it has to do to win. In the season-opener against Clemson, Chris Smith had the play of the game with a dramatic 74-yard interception return for a touchdown. In week two, Bennett came off the bench and tied a school record for touchdown passes through the first two quarters. In the Bulldogs’ SEC opener, Daniels topped the 300-yard mark and Smith had eight tackles, 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a safety.

Georgia, regardless of the stage or opponent, is playing with a championship consistency and purpose.

What the Bulldogs have done is play with an unrelenting sense of urgency right away. This is a team that has clearly stated goals and knows what it takes to reach them. The first three games have been a reflection of that perspective. Even after the Clemson win, there hasn’t been a letdown, there hasn’t been a pause. Georgia has played with great determination and focus; the next game has been the most important one.

While the SEC Championship Game and the playoff may be months away, the Bulldogs are taking steps towards the future each day. Their tracks of red clay may ultimately lead to college football’s red carpet.