Georgia rode the nation’s top scoring defense all of the way to the national title last year thanks to a deep defensive line rotation and a fast, physical linebacking corps. Even though the sport has become driven by offense, the Bulldogs proved old-school football can still win at an elite level.
Which team is this year’s “Georgia?”
There are several teams that will enter the season with loaded front sevens that are well-equipped to lead to title contention. Which teams are they? Let’s break them down.
If coach Dabo Swinney’s crew is going to get back to the top of the college football world this year, it’ll be on the heels of one of the best defenses — personnel-wise — that he’s ever produced. Superstar Bryan Bresee will anchor the middle of the line of scrimmage and, when healthy, is the top defensive lineman in the country. Add Xavier Thomas and K.J. Henry at edge, and the line should be devastating. The linebacking corps will be led by Trenton Thompson, who had 64 tackles, 12.5 which were for a loss, last season. The only real question here is if the success former defensive coordinator Brent Venables had during his tenure in the upstate can be replicated by new defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin.
Surprise, surprise … Alabama lands on this list. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you already know all about star edge threat Will Anderson Jr. — who might be the best player in the country despite Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young’s presence on Anderson’s own team. Linebackers Henry To’o To’o, Dallas Turner and Jaylen Moody are just a few of the stars who comprise the best linebacking unit in the nation. Up front, DJ Dale will anchor a defensive line that will also feature Byron Young and Justin Eboigbe. That trio is well-versed on taking up blocks and letting the linebacking corps feast.
First-year coach Kalen DeBoer inherited one of the best defenses in the country,…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…