National title or bust: No. 1 Georgia begins the season in a familiar spot

Georgia begins the season in a familiar spot — No. 1 — and facing the burden that anything less than a third national title in four seasons will be a disappointment.
Alabama wide receiver Malik Benson (11) misses a pass against Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Georgia begins the season in a familiar spot — No. 1 — and facing the burden that anything less than a third national title in four seasons will be a disappointment.

Pressure? Not at all.

Coach Kirby Smart has built a program that lives very much in the moment, letting others ponder big-picture issues like championships and legacies. It’s a lesson he learned very well from his mentor, longtime Alabama coach Nick Saban.