Week 3 of the college football season brings SEC play into full swing, and Georgia’s own trip to Arkansas at noon is only part of the picture. The Bulldogs will have plenty to track beyond Fayetteville, because a few other games could shape what their season looks like down the road.
One of the most useful early tests for Georgia fans comes in Columbia, where Mississippi State meets South Carolina. The Gamecocks have already become the league’s wild card, a team that could swing all the way from playoff threat to a 4-8 finish.
That range says plenty about the uncertainty around them, but it also underscores the talent on that roster. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers and receiver Nyck Harbor are two of the most dangerous playmakers around, and South Carolina’s offense has ripped off 51 points per game through two weeks.
The competition hasn’t been especially stiff yet, but with Georgia set to face the Gamecocks on November 21, this is the kind of game that can tell you whether that production holds once SEC defenses enter the mix.
Another matchup worth Georgia’s attention is Florida against Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium. It’s one of those rivalry games that always carries weight, but there’s extra reason to watch how both teams handle it.
Aaron Murray said in week one that the Florida offense "could be one of the best in the SEC," and the Gators haven’t done anything to shut that down. They’re averaging 59 points per game, and running back Jaden Baugh has already piled up 296 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Auburn, meanwhile, comes in off a week one win that mattered for reasons beyond the final score. The Tigers did something they had not managed repeatedly in 2025: win a close game.
They did it even with star quarterback Byrum Brown throwing three interceptions. If Auburn keeps things clean at home and takes care of Florida, it would send a clear message to the rest of the SEC.
Then there’s LSU against Ole Miss, a game that will draw attention everywhere because of the Lane Kiffin storyline. Kiffin is back in Oxford for the first time since leaving the Rebels in dramatic fashion back in December, and that alone makes the matchup one of the biggest of the night.
But from Georgia’s perspective, the more practical angle is simple: how does Ole Miss look against an LSU defense? The Rebels showed plenty on offense in week one against Louisville, especially after halftime, but LSU presents a much tougher challenge in week three.
The Tigers’ defense can be a useful benchmark for Kirby Smart and his staff, giving Georgia a chance to study the Rebels against a unit that should be closer to what they’ll see on their own schedule.
In Other News...
Georgia Suddenly Has A Tyriq Green Concern At The Worst Time
Georgia is dealing with another early-season health issue, and this one comes at a particularly awkward time. Freshman Tyriq Green left a recent game after getting hurt on a kickoff return, which adds another layer of uncertainty for a team already trying to manage its depth across the roster. Kirby Smart said the Bulldogs are still waiting on the full results before getting a clearer picture of Greens condition.
The timing matters because Georgia is also working around other absences, including wide receiver Thomas Blackshear and outside linebackers Chase Linton and Amaris Williams. That leaves the Bulldogs with a few different spots to monitor as the week goes on, and Greens availability could become one of the more important updates before the next game plan is finalized. [Read more 🡒]
Georgia Just Added Intrigue To One Of Its Biggest Recruiting Battles
A high-profile visit got a little more interesting for Georgia when five-star defender David Jacobs made his first trip back to Athens since committing to Ohio State in December. Jacobs was on campus with his younger brother, Dawson, a four-star prospect in the 2028 class, and the Bulldogs had the kind of family atmosphere that often matters in these recruiting battles.
What stood out around the visit was Andrew Smart, Kirby Smarts son, who was observed helping during warmups and spending time with Jacobs. Georgia clearly had attention from one of the nations top prospects, but sources have indicated a flip would still be difficult, which is what makes this one worth watching as the Bulldogs try to stay in the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Kirby Smart Has One Real Concern About Gunner Stockton
Gunner Stocktons first full turn running Georgias offense against Western Kentucky came with the kind of production that will quiet a lot of noise in a hurry. He threw five touchdowns and guided the Bulldogs to scoring drives in six possessions, giving the offense a sharp, efficient feel as he settled into the job.
Kirby Smarts biggest takeaway, though, had less to do with the box score than with the hits Stockton chose to absorb along the way. With the backup situation not offering much margin for error, Smart wants his quarterback making smarter decisions about when to slide, get out of bounds or simply live to play the next snap, especially in games where his legs are not required to win. [Read more 🡒]