Paul Finebaum expresses concerns about Georgia's defense

Georgia is the No. 1 team in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll but Paul Finebaum isn’t sold on the Bulldogs. During an appearance on “GoJo and Golic,” the SEC Network analyst revealed his concerns for Georgia in the upcoming season.

“I am concerned about their defense,” Finebaum said. “You go back two years ago to that draft, it was an endless stream of players, some that really weren’t even well known, that were at the top of the draft. They don’t have that right now. I mean, they have good players. Do they have the defining difference makers? I’m a little concerned about that.”

Georgia is only returning 55% of its defense for the 2024 campaign, per ESPN. The program lost cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Javon Bullard, defensive back Tykee Smith and defensive tackle Zion Logue in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Not to mention, several Georgia players signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Moreover, Georgia lost 25 players to the NCAA Transfer Portal, including defensive standouts such as Marvin Jones Jr., AJ Harris and Jamon Dumas-Johnson.

Paul Finebaum expresses concern for Georgia offense

Georgia’s defense isn’t the only area of the team that Finebaum is worried about.

“They get a little overvalued because, right now, they are the premier program,” Finebaum said. “I’m a little concerned about both sides. I mean, Carson Beck is — there’s no question that he’s among the best quarterbacks. But, how many other weapons do they have? They’re replacing Brock Bowers, who single-handedly won them countless games.

“And, I might argue had Brock Bowers not been injured in — of all games — the Vanderbilt game, Georgia would have beaten Alabama, and we might not be talking about vacating Jim Harbaugh‘s national championship.”

Despite Finebaum’s concerns, Georgia has a surplus of offensive talent. In the backfield, Georgia added former Florida running back Trevor Etienne, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. Out wide, the Bulldogs return talented receivers such as Dominic Lovett.

Even if Finebaum’s concerns are unfounded, Georgia’s strength of schedule is undeniable. With all the talent in the world, the 2024 campaign still won’t be easy for the Bulldogs.

“Their schedule, let’s be honest, it’s brutal,” Finebaum said. “It’s not even the Texas game. It’s not even the trip to Alabama. How about a trip to Ole Miss. A team that is better than it’s been in 50 or 60 years. They could lose all three of those.”

Georgia won’t waste any time kicking off its grueling schedule. On Aug. 31, Georgia will take on Clemson in its season-opener at noon ET. The game will be broadcast on ABC.