Seth Emerson ($$) talks to Bill Connelly about the Dawgs returning only 24 percent of their receiving yards from last season.
But receiving yards have been the best indicator. Why? The idea runs counter-intuitive to the idea that an offense is built along the lines and at quarterback.
“I’ve talked to coaches a little bit about it and it kind of surprised them a little too,” said Connelly, who joined ESPN in June. “But when you’re looking for why, the best explanation I’ve heard is the chemistry between quarterback and receiver and the actual routes that are being run, and just the overall cohesiveness there, ends up mattering more than anything else.”
Mea culpa time here: I confess that I severely underestimated the impact of this on Georgia’s offense this season. And as much as I read Bill’s work, I shouldn’t have.
I’d like to think if I’d have seen this chart Seth compiled in the preseason, I really wouldn’t have.

(The asterisk is about Malcolm Mitchell’s injury, in case you’re wondering.)
Historically speaking, that 2019 result isn’t as bad as you might expect, so maybe score one for Coley there.
There is some slightly bad news to brace for, though, per Seth: “Right now, Georgia projects to return 54.9 percent of its receiving yards, pending stats from the Sugar Bowl.” Coach ’em up, fellas!
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