Georgia desperately needed a change. They are not known for starting off on the wrong foot, so Coach Kirby Smart knew he needed something the team was missing — especially following Jake Fromm's departure to the NFL. The first six games were played mainly with quarterback Stetson Bennett, resulting in losses to Alabama and Florida. As the season went on, they finished 8-2, winning every other game after their long-awaited change finally occurred.
Right now, him as the starter, he's just taken command of the offense and everyone is following his lead.
JT Daniels was the USC Trojans quarterback for two seasons before transferring to Georgia. He made his first appearance as a Bulldog on November 21st against Mississippi State. With 28 completions, four TD passes, and 401 passing yards, everyone could finally tell that Georgia was back on track.
Roswell freshman Marley Smith captured the mood: "I'm so excited JT Daniels is our new quarterback. I think he can really help the team while he plays for us."
It was not just JT's playing that impressed — he was also an outstanding leader on offense. Tight end Tre' McKitty formed a great bond with him. During the game against South Carolina, they connected twice: the first reception went for 40 yards, the second led to Georgia's opening score. "Right now, him as the starter, he's just taken command of the offense and everyone is following his lead," McKitty said.
Running back James Cook echoed that sentiment. "Just having confidence is everything," Cook said. George Pickens, meanwhile, tripled his production with JT running the offense.
Georgia had the opportunity to play in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Cincinnati Bearcats — one of the top-10 defenses in the country. Many star senior players opted out to prepare for the NFL draft, putting Georgia fans on edge.
Throughout the entire game, Cincinnati had the lead and Georgia played scrappy. It was extremely stressful. Then kicker Jack Podlensky hit a 53-yard field goal at the end of the game to bring the score to 24-21. It was Podlensky's longest kick of his career. Georgia survived by three points.
Coach Smart entrusted Daniels with the leadership of the team, and JT announced he would be returning for the next season. The Dawgs were ranked number nine in the country, with Georgia fans hoping his work with the offense would continue — and maybe, eventually, bring home a national championship.