The Georgia Bulldogs enter the 2025 college football season with just seven returning starters, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Kirby Smart’s program, it’s that talent is never in short supply. The real question this year isn’t whether Georgia has enough firepower — it’s whether that talent can gel quickly enough to make another national championship run. With a largely unproven offense and a youthful defense, this season may be one of Smart’s biggest coaching challenges yet.
Offense: High Ceiling, Big Questions
The offense has several question marks heading into the season, and everything begins with the quarterback position. Gunner Stockton takes over as QB1, and while he’s shown flashes of promise, particularly in relief appearances last year, he still has a lot to prove. Despite the lack of starting experience, there’s a lot of belief in Stockton’s potential. He’s athletic, tough, and clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff.
However, Stockton’s success may hinge on the performance of an offensive line that is undergoing a major overhaul. The Bulldogs lost four starters from a unit that surprisingly struggled in the run game last year — a departure from Georgia’s physical, ground-and-pound identity. All eyes will be on Monroe Freeling and Earnest Greene to see if they can step up and lead this new-look line back to dominance.
Georgia has never been short on talented running backs, and this year is no exception. Nate Frazier showed flashes of big-play ability in 2024, and he’ll be complemented by Chauncey Bowens and promising true freshman Bo Walker. There may not be a clear lead back right now, but the rotation is deep and explosive.
In the receiving corps, Dillon Bell returns as a top option after a productive season. He’ll get a huge boost from USC transfer Zachariah Branch, a dynamic playmaker who should stretch the field and help open up space underneath. But again, it all comes back to the offensive line — if they can hold up, this offense has real potential.
Defense: Talented, But Green
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s Georgia — so we know the talent is elite. Still, only three starters return, and while that might worry some programs, Georgia is built to reload, not rebuild. The defensive interior is in good hands with Jordan Hall, Christen Miller, and Xzavier McLeod forming a disruptive trio. These guys are future NFL talents who can control the line of scrimmage.
The concern lies on the edges, where Georgia was hit hard by departures. The Bulldogs are hoping players like Quintavvius Johnson and Gabe Harris can fill the void and bring consistent pressure off the edge. Without a reliable pass rush, even the most talented secondary will be tested. Fortunately, the defensive backfield looks solid, and the linebacker unit is the deepest part of the defense, filled with high-IQ, sideline-to-sideline athletes who can cover and hit.
Schedule Outlook and Final Thoughts
Georgia’s schedule sets up nicely to build confidence early, with a couple of winnable games before a key road test at Tennessee and a marquee home matchup against Alabama. The Bulldogs will also host potential playoff contenders Ole Miss and Texas later in the season, giving them a chance to make a strong late-season statement.
In today’s college football landscape, perfection is no longer required to reach the playoff — but resilience and growth are. With so many new faces in key spots, how quickly Georgia finds its rhythm will determine its fate. The road back to the national title conversation won’t be easy, but with Kirby Smart at the helm, it’s never out of reach.
This may be Smart’s toughest coaching job yet, but if he and his staff can unlock this team’s full potential, don’t be surprised if Georgia is right back in the championship mix come December.
The Breeders’ Cup starts today, and Let ’em Run is on site.
Rear View Mirror Segment Introduction
Let ’em Run continues to improve our product, and we are rolling out our “Rear View Mirror” segment in today’s edition for Sports Talk Florida, where we look back on races we broke down and see where we missed a possible pick and why, and also how we landed on a good pick. In life they say “the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror so you look ahead, instead of back”. We think in handicapping, a good idea occasionally to look back!!
Friday 11/28 — Churchill Downs
Race 10 – The Mrs. Revere Stakes Looking back on our Podcast, John and I both landed on #4 Classic Q as an upset winner over big favorite #1 Lush Lips. The favorite proved her class and just nipped Classic Q. and a fast closing #10 Pretty Picture.
Race 11 – The Clark Stakes The “Rear View Mirror” told us we should have given a long look at the #9 Magnitude, who took it to the field with the highest U.S. Timeform early pace figure. John made a strong case for #5 Chunk of Gold, who had more company up front than expected. My pick #4 Gosger, had many Brisnet angles that made him strong in my book, but never fired. Keep an eye on this runner next out, odds will surely be worth a look.
Saturday 11/29 — Del Mar
Race 5 – The Seabiscuit Handicap In this race, the “Rear View Mirror” told us the only way (in our opinion) the #4 Call Sign Seven could have been used, was if you used a dart board, no offense to those who picked him!! John and I both landed on #3 Almanderes, who ran in 4th place, as the leader ran away from all in the field.
Race 7 – The Jimmy Durante Stakes Some redemption here as John laid out a Trifecta Key for $20 (4/1,5,6,8,9/1,5,6,8,9) and returned $61.50. Hey, a win is a win. I dropped anchor on the #5 La Ville Lumiere, a long shot at 8-1, with a lot of Brisnet angles to work with. She ran a nice race, but only managed a 3rd place finish.
Race 9 – The Hollywood Stakes Using the “Rear View Mirror”, a case could have been made for winner #4 Salamis. Leading rider Umberto Rispoli jumped aboard for trainer Chad Brown. In the last race he was a tough load, and closed, but too late. He ran back to the 2 back race and took the top spot, not an impossible pick with a closer look.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Let’emRun is looking to run multiple Podcasts each week in the New Year. Coming up on Friday 12/5/25 Happy Hour at 3PM, we will dive into 2 races being run on Saturday 12/6/25… Race 6 at Laurel Park, The Maryland Juvenile. We will then jump over to Race 7 at Turfway Park, The Boone County. Some interesting races, at some interesting venues.
Upcoming Coverage
On Saturday 12/6/25, we will get back to East Coast racing at Aqueduct, where we will cover Races 7 thru 11, including Race 9 The Remsen Stakes (Kentucky Derby Prep), and Race 10, The Cigar Mile. Two big races each year at the Big A, so be sure to tune in for both shows, and as always Let ’em Run.
Paris Saint-Germain legend Jay-Jay Okocha has rankked Serbian coach Dragoslav Stepanovic as the manager with the most significant impact on his career.
Okocha credited Stepanovic for guiding him during his formative years at Eintracht Frankfurt which shaped him in becom of the most skillful players during his active career.
Okocha joined Frankfurt from Borussia Neunkirchen in December 1991, a move that marked the beginning of his rise in European football.
He spent four years at the club, four defining seasons that helped shape his playing style and future success.
Those early years in the Bundesliga showcased Okocha’s incredible talent, as he quickly built a reputation for his mesmerizing footwork, flair, and creativity.
One of his most iconic moments in Germany remains his unforgettable solo goal against Karlsruher SC, where he famously dribbled past multiple defenders, including goalkeeper Oliver Kahn before slotting the ball into the net.
The goal is still regarded as one of the greatest in German Bundesliga history.
Despite his strong start in Germany, Okocha’s time at Frankfurt came to an unexpected end. In 1995, he fell out of favour under new coach Jupp Heynckes, but he has explained why Stepanovic stood out above all other coaches in his career.
“The coach who influenced me the most was my first manager at Eintracht Frankfurt, Dragoslav Stepanovic,” Okocha told R.org.
“It was short, but he influenced me the most throughout my career. Stepanovic is the type of coach every young player deserves to encounter.”
Okocha credited the Serbian coach for giving him both confidence and freedom, qualities that helped him fully express his unique style of play.
“I did not just feel at home at Frankfurt,” he added. “His guidance pushed me to bring the best out of myself.”
After Frankfurt were relegated to the German second division, Okocha moved to Fenerbahce in 1996.
His transfer to Turkey marked the beginning of another electrifying chapter, where his performances attracted international attention and eventually paved the way for his high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1998.
college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders
Conference Championship weekend is here and it is the most decisive weekend has arrived, as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 Championships take center stage. Four conference championships titles will be contested, each carrying massive implications for the College Football Playoff.
Alabama and Georgia clash in Atlanta for SEC supremacy, Ohio State battles Indiana in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown, Duke faces Virginia in Charlotte for the ACC title, and Texas Tech meets BYU in Arlington for the Big 12 championship. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, every snap this weekend will shape the national picture and determine which programs advance to the sport’s ultimate stage.
SEC Title Game
The 2025 SEC Championship Game features the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) against the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).
National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+ streaming
Local Coverage: WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, regional ESPN Radio affiliates
Alabama enters with momentum after a dramatic Iron Bowl win, while Georgia seeks revenge for its September loss to the Tide. The winner secures the SEC’s automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana
For the first time, both teams enter undefeated (12-0). The Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
National Broadcast: FOX, streaming via FOX Sports app
Local Coverage: Big Ten Network pregame, regional FOX affiliates in Ohio and Indiana
Ohio State’s elite defense faces Indiana’s high-powered offense led by QB Fernando Mendoza. The winner likely claims the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia
The ACC Conference Championship Game pits Virginia (10-2) against Duke (7-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN Radio
Local Coverage: Virginia Sports Radio Network, regional ABC affiliates in North Carolina and Virginia
Virginia dominated Duke earlier this season, but the Blue Devils, led by QB Darian Mensah, seek redemption. A Cavaliers win likely secures a College Football Playoff berth.
Big 12 Championship: Texas Tech vs BYU
The Big 12 Championship Game features Texas Tech (11-1) against BYU (11-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT).
National Broadcast: ABC, streaming via ESPN app
Local Coverage: KSL-TV Utah, regional ABC affiliates in Texas
Texas Tech seeks to confirm its playoff spot, while BYU must win to secure the Big 12’s automatic bid. This rematch follows the Red Raiders’ November victory over the Cougars.
Bottom Line
Championship Weekend delivers four marquee matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. With College Football Playoff bids on the line, fans nationwide can tune in via ABC, FOX, ESPN Radio, and regional affiliates to watch history unfold.
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