The Georgia Bulldogs’ Top 25 Most Iconic Football Plays Defining the Kirby Smart Era and Cementing Legendary Moments
Since Kirby Smart took over as head coach in 2016, the Georgia Bulldogs football program has experienced an electrifying resurgence, producing unforgettable moments etched in college football history. From breathtaking comebacks to game-winning touchdowns and defensive heroics, these iconic plays have defined Smart’s era and fueled the passion of Bulldog fans nationwide. Here is a deep dive into the 25 most iconic Georgia Bulldogs football plays under Kirby Smart, highlighting the skill, determination, and heart that have made this era so legendary.
At the onset, the 2017 season delivered a stunning upset against Notre Dame in South Bend. Freshman quarterback Jake Fromm’s pinpoint touchdown pass to Terry Godwin for a 16-yard score late in the fourth quarter sealed a thrilling 20-19 victory. That clutch connection not only ended a long road losing streak but set the tone for a confident Georgia team under Smart’s guidance. It demonstrated the Bulldogs’ resolve to win against top-tier competition.
Fast forward to the electrifying 2017 SEC Championship Game against Auburn. In a back-and-forth battle, Nick Chubb’s explosive 37-yard touchdown run displayed the raw power and speed of Georgia’s rushing attack. This play ignited the Bulldogs and propelled them to a 28-7 lead, a crucial momentum swing that helped secure the SEC title. Chubb’s ability to break tackles and outrun defenders exemplified the physical dominance Georgia imposed during Smart’s early years.
One of the most heart-stopping moments came in the 2018 Rose Bowl against Oklahoma, a College Football Playoff semifinal. Jake Fromm’s 6-yard touchdown run on a quarterback sneak in the fourth quarter put Georgia ahead 28-21 in a fiercely contested matchup. That play was pivotal in clinching a spot in the National Championship game, marking Georgia’s return to the national stage after years of postseason disappointment. Fromm’s calm under pressure and Smart’s meticulous game planning were on full display.
In the 2018 National Championship game against Alabama, despite the eventual loss, several iconic plays stood out. A memorable sequence was Georgia’s late-game fourth-down conversion. With seconds remaining, Jake Fromm’s pass to Javon Wims gained critical yardage but ultimately fell short of a touchdown, symbolizing the heartbreak and near-misses that fueled the Bulldogs’ hunger for future success.
The 2019 season produced another unforgettable play in the Sugar Bowl against Baylor. Georgia’s defense, one of the nation’s best, forced a critical fumble that cornerback Deandre Baker returned for a touchdown. This defensive score swung momentum firmly in Georgia’s favor, showcasing the aggressive and opportunistic defense Kirby Smart has built. It underscored how Smart’s teams win not only through offense but also via game-changing defensive plays.
A signature moment from the 2019 season was Georgia’s thrilling victory over Florida. In a game known for its intensity and rivalry, a clutch 23-yard touchdown run by D’Andre Swift late in the fourth quarter put Georgia ahead 24-17. Swift’s burst through the Gators’ defense exemplified the explosive playmaking ability cultivated by Smart’s coaching staff and became a defining moment in Georgia’s rivalry dominance.
The 2020 season, disrupted by the pandemic, still delivered unforgettable drama. In a tense SEC Championship rematch against Alabama, a crucial goal-line stand by Georgia’s defense stopped Alabama on fourth down, preserving a narrow 33-18 victory. This defensive resilience showcased the discipline and physicality instilled by Kirby Smart, as Georgia finally overcame their long-time nemesis and secured a place in the National Championship once again.
One of the most iconic plays in recent memory occurred in the 2021 National Championship game against Alabama. Stetson Bennett, a former walk-on, completed a clutch 34-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens in the fourth quarter. Pickens’ spectacular one-handed catch in traffic electrified the crowd and embodied the underdog spirit that defined Georgia’s championship run. This play helped cement Bennett’s legacy and led to Georgia’s first national title since 1980.
Bennett’s heroics didn’t stop there. In the same 2021 National Championship, he led a methodical fourth-quarter drive culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Brock Bowers. This score extended Georgia’s lead and effectively put the game out of reach. It symbolized the poise and execution that Smart’s teams demonstrate in the biggest moments, blending veteran leadership with young talent.
The 2021 season also featured defensive dominance with several iconic plays. A standout was Nakobe Dean’s crucial interception against Michigan in the Orange Bowl, which helped secure a decisive 34-11 victory. Dean’s instincts and speed epitomized the defensive prowess and depth cultivated by Smart’s staff, reinforcing Georgia’s identity as a defensive powerhouse.
During the 2022 season, one memorable play was a 75-yard touchdown run by Zamir White against Missouri. This explosive run showcased Georgia’s depth at running back and the offensive line’s dominance, hallmarks of Smart’s recruiting and development strategy. White’s electrifying burst through the Tigers’ defense invigorated the team and fans alike, contributing to a dominant season performance.
In the 2022 SEC Championship against LSU, a defining moment was an 18-yard touchdown pass from Stetson Bennett to Adonai Mitchell. This play gave Georgia a critical lead in the fourth quarter, helping secure a convincing 50-30 victory. It was a statement of Georgia’s offensive versatility and Bennett’s growth as a reliable leader in pressure situations.
Another unforgettable moment came in a 2022 game versus Tennessee, where defensive back Kelee Ringo returned a blocked field goal 75 yards for a touchdown. This electrifying special teams play energized the Bulldogs and swung momentum decisively. It exemplified the all-around athleticism and team effort Kirby Smart demands, turning defense and special teams into scoring opportunities.
In the 2023 season, a dramatic goal-line stand against Kentucky saw Georgia’s defense hold firm on fourth down, preserving a narrow lead in a hard-fought game. This play typified the Bulldogs’ toughness and resilience under pressure, hallmarks of Smart’s coaching philosophy emphasizing mental and physical fortitude.
The 2023 showdown against South Carolina featured an iconic deep pass from Stetson Bennett to Kearis Jackson, covering 48 yards and setting up a touchdown. This explosive play highlighted Georgia’s big-play capability and Bennett’s continued prowess as a clutch quarterback, thrilling fans and demoralizing opponents.
One cannot overlook special teams heroics like the 2023 game-winning 48-yard field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship against Auburn. Though known for his time at Indiana before joining Georgia, Blankenship’s clutch kick showcased Smart’s ability to assemble veteran talent and execute in pressure-packed moments.
Throughout Kirby Smart’s tenure, a recurring theme is the team’s ability to execute critical fourth-down conversions. A prime example was in the 2021 regular-season game against Auburn, where a 4th-and-1 sneak by Stetson Bennett kept a vital drive alive, ultimately leading to the game-winning touchdown. These fearless decisions typify Smart’s aggressive and confident approach.
Another defining characteristic is Georgia’s success in red-zone efficiency, embodied by a 2022 touchdown run by Brock Bowers in the red zone against Vanderbilt. Bowers’ strength and agility in tight spaces epitomized the Bulldogs’ physical style and execution precision.
The Bulldogs’ defensive dominance under Smart was further exemplified by Channing Tindall’s 2023 forced fumble and recovery against Ole Miss, halting a potential scoring drive. Plays like these have helped Georgia control games and wear down opponents consistently.
One of the most iconic plays symbolizing Kirby Smart’s ability to develop homegrown talent came from Stetson Bennett’s humble beginnings as a walk-on, culminating in his game-winning touchdown pass in the 2021 SEC Championship. His journey from underdog to national champion epitomizes the Bulldog spirit and Smart’s developmental prowess.
Another memorable moment was Georgia’s dramatic 2022 win over Texas A&M, highlighted by a last-minute interception by cornerback Kelee Ringo, sealing a 27-13 victory. Ringo’s game-changing play epitomized the Bulldogs’ defensive intensity and knack for clutch plays.
The 2023 matchup against LSU saw a dominant defensive play when Jalen Carter sacked the quarterback on third down, forcing a punt. Carter’s relentless pressure has been a cornerstone of Georgia’s defensive success, making him one of the defining players of the Kirby Smart era.
An exhilarating moment for the fans was the 2023 “Hail Mary” touchdown pass from Bennett to Adonai Mitchell as time expired against UAB, a play that epitomized Georgia’s never-say-die attitude and capacity for thrilling finishes.
Finally, the culminating play of Kirby Smart’s era so far is the 2022 National Championship victory over Alabama, where a suffocating defense held the Crimson Tide to just 18 points, combined with Bennett’s composed leadership on offense. The iconic final defensive stop and Bennett’s clinching drive are forever etched in Georgia’s storied history.
From stunning offensive explosions to relentless defensive stops, these 25 iconic plays showcase the grit, talent, and strategic brilliance that define the Kirby Smart era at Georgia. They have transformed the Bulldogs into a perennial powerhouse and brought national championships back to Athens, thrilling fans and inspiring future generations of Georgia football players. These moments are not just plays; they are the heartbeat of Bulldog football’s modern legacy.
