A quick pivot to the awards circuit

Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) runs drills before the SEC championship game against Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) runs drills before the SEC championship game against Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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While Georgia fans have a hangover from the Alabama loss in the SEC championship game, players and coaches are busy with what’s next.

Stetson Bennett was hitting balls at Topgolf before the Burlsworth Trophy ceremony in Little Rock, Ark., Monday night as a finalist for for top player who began as a walk-on.

Jordan Davis was in Charlotte for the Nagurski Trophy ceremony as a finalist for top defensive player.

Defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was also in Arkansas for Tuesday’s Broyles Award presentation for top assistant coach in Bentonville.

Meanwhile, Kirby Smart and other assistants are on the road recruiting.

Bennett didn’t win (the Burlsworth went to Arkansas’ linebacker Grant Morgan) and neither did Davis (the Nagurski winner was Alabama linebacker Will Anderson).

Davis didn’t get an invite either to New York for the Heisman Trophy. He should be in the top 10 that will be revealed on Thursday night. Georgia’s 41-24 loss to the Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game didn’t sway many voters it seems.

Davis is still up for the Walter Camp Player of Year, the Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award.

Lanning, given Georgia’s dominant defense in the regular season, seems a good chance to win an award he was a finalist for in 2019.

Weekend picks

I went 2-1 over the weekend, nailing the Big 12 championship game with Baylor and the AAC with Cincinnati and missing out on the Sun Belt with Louisiana and new Florida coach Billy Napier.

What to Watch: Live in Front of a Studio Audience, 8 p.m., ABC: Not sure if this will be a train wreck or sort of fun. They have rebooted versions of “The Facts of Life,” and “Different Strokes?” Whatcha talking about, Willis? Jennifer Anniston is playing the Blair part on Facts. Kevin Hart is playing Arnold from Different Strokes.

UGA Calendar:

Men’s basketball vs. Jacksonville, Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Women’s basketball vs. North Florida, Wednesday, 12 p.m.

Follow me on Twitter @marcweiszer and email me at mweiszer@onlineathens.com

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: A quick pivot to the awards circuit