The Georgia Bulldogs needed to drastically improve their rushing attack. Somehow, someway, the Dawgs needed to improve their rushing game.
They worked tirelessly on it throughout the offseason, and by the time the 2025 season arrived, the improvement was obvious. Nate Frazier paced the way, while the Bulldogs received consistent contributions from Chauncey Bowens, significant contributions from Josh McCray, and glimpses from Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker.
Overall, the Bulldogs averaged 182 running yards per game last season, a considerable improvement over the 124 yards they averaged in 2024.
So modifications were made, but Kirby Smart understands that they cannot go backward. To win the final game of the season, they must continue to run the ball successfully, and they must improve on it in 2026.
The Dawgs return virtually all of their traditional running backs from last season, trading Josh McCray for Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell.
Despite the group’s excellent performance last year, Smart is aware of the areas in which they need to improve this spring.
“Leadership, experience, and third down,” Smart told reporters. “They don’t have a lot of expertise in the passing game, so catching the ball out of the backfield, being better receivers, blitz pickup schemes, yards after contact, and breaking tackles. That is essentially how a back is evaluated. What benefits do you receive that the offensive line does not provide? That’s how you become elite. “
Georgia has had numerous “elite” backs over the years. The list goes on. Now, Georgia fans hope that Nate Frazier will join that “elite” company. After running for over 900 yards last season, Frazier will lead the way and have a tremendous junior season if he can make plays as a runner when the holes aren’t there. He’s a consistent runner and one of the league’s finest returning backs, but, like the other backs, Frazier need to improve as an all-around back.
Of course, Frazier will not have to handle the run game alone. Chauncey Bowens will play a role, as will transfer Dante Dowdell, who has already piqued the staff.
“He’s very physical, rough, strong, and has really quick feet. Can get in and out of the hole. He’s made some explosive runs, breaking through the hole. He has occasionally been unable to explain things to us clearly because he is still learning vocabulary and other things, but he is a confident veteran. He’s a really dependable person. Hoping to get some use out of him on special teams as well as at running back. “
Overall, it’s a highly skilled team with a lot of expertise, yet there is room for improvement. While they improved their running game last year, the Bulldogs must return to an elite level by 2026.
