Focusing on what's going right for Georgia

It’s easy to point out the negatives. I’ve done it plenty through Georgia’s first five games. Let’s do something different this Monday, given the Bulldogs are coming off of a 35-14 win over Kentucky.

While there have been plenty of sore spots — mainly on defense — there have been some positive trends developing over the past three games.

Let’s take a look at three of them.

Offensive line growth

Georgia’s offensive line has been a work in progress all season, mostly due to injuries it has suffered since Week 1. However, the group has improved considerably over the past three weeks, which is a great sign for Georgia’s offense.

Against Tennessee, the line battled a tough defensive front but was still able to help the running game total 198 yards — albeit on 55 carries. In a loss to the Crimson Tide, the rushing attack totaled 227 yards on 33 carries. Behind the line, Chauncey Bowens has emerged as Georgia’s top running back, having totaled 12 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown.

Against the Wildcats, the offensive line paved the way for 183 rushing yards on 42 carries in what was a balanced offensive game-plan. The Bulldogs have also only surrendered six sacks this season. While nothing’s perfect, the offensive line is showing considerable progress.

Stockton’s confidence

There was plenty of concern about quarterback Gunner Stockton following Georgia’s win over Austin Peay. Stockton was overly cautious and didn’t seem eager to push the ball down the field. He’s since taken the requisite coaching from that moment well and is airing the ball out a bit more.

Against Tennessee, he dropped his best ball of the season to London Humphreys for a clutch touchdown in the fourth quarter. He let it rip against Alabama in the limited snaps he was able to get. And against the Wildcats, his day was punctuated with a deep ball to Dillon Bell, which saw Bell bring the ball into his body with just one hand.

Stockton has been efficient, totaling 1,047 yards, six touchdowns and one interception this season. As Stockton continues to gain confidence, Georgia will be in a good position to keep up against any team it faces.

Special specialists

Georgia’s going to have a few more close games that come down to the wire. Having quality specialists come through in the clutch is vital to a championship team.

Just ask Tennessee. Max Gilbert missed a 43-yard field goal that would have beat Georgia in regulation. Instead, the game went to overtime, which saw the Bulldogs pull out an improbable win. While many programs have dealt with some painful moments on special teams, Georgia has been solid at kicker and punter for quite some time.

Peyton Woodring is perfect this year, having converted all four of his field goal attempts and each of his extra points. Against Kentucky, Brett Thorson landed a 60-yard punt at the 1-yard line. The ball bounced sideways, with Humphreys able to bat the ball out of bounds to ensure it didn’t cross the goal line for a touchback.

Georgia’s specialists are likely to see some big moments where they’ll be asked to hit a clutch field goal or flip the field. It’s a good thing the Bulldogs have two of the best in the entire country.

ICYMI

Sunday Observations: A step in the right direction.

Georgia’s snap counts in Saturday’s game against Kentucky.

The early betting line for Georgia’s upcoming game against Auburn.

Player grades from Georgia’s win over Kentucky.

Georgia’s important statistics following its win over Kentucky.