What Is 2001 Georgia Bulldogs football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 2001 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 8–4 record under head coach Mark Richt. They won the 2002 Cotton Bowl Classic, defeating Virginia 26–13, marking their first 10-win season since 1982.

Key Facts

The 2001 Georgia Bulldogs finished the season with an 8–4 overall record
Head coach Mark Richt was in his first year leading the team
The Bulldogs won the 2002 Cotton Bowl Classic, defeating Virginia 26–13
Quarterback David Greene started all 12 games as a true freshman
Georgia achieved its first 10-win season since 1982, counting bowl games

Overview

The 2001 Georgia Bulldogs football team marked a turning point in the program’s history, launching a new era under first-year head coach Mark Richt. After a 7–5 season in 2000, expectations were modest, but the team exceeded projections by finishing 8–4 in the regular season and securing a bowl victory.

This season laid the foundation for future success, highlighted by the emergence of true freshman quarterback David Greene and a disciplined, balanced offensive approach. The Bulldogs competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Eastern Division and earned a spot in the Cotton Bowl Classic, their first major bowl appearance since 1981.

First-year head coach Mark Richt led the team to an 8–4 record, the best debut season for a Georgia coach since Wally Butts in 1939.
The Bulldogs started the season 5–0, including a dramatic 21–10 win over then-No. 15 Mississippi State in Athens on September 22.
David Greene became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for Georgia since 1953, throwing for 1,576 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Georgia defeated rival Florida 24–3 on November 10, their most lopsided win in the series since 1970.
The team’s 26–13 victory over Virginia in the 2002 Cotton Bowl Classic on January 1, 2002, gave them a final 10–2 record when counting the bowl game.

How It Works

The 2001 season exemplified a shift in Georgia’s football culture, emphasizing consistency, quarterback development, and bowl eligibility as benchmarks of success. The team’s performance reflected strategic recruiting and a renewed focus on fundamentals under new leadership.

Mark Richt’s Coaching Debut: Richt brought a structured, pro-style offense from Florida State and instilled discipline, leading to a 5–0 start and national recognition.
David Greene’s Emergence: As a true freshman, Greene started all 12 games, completing 58% of his passes for 1,576 yards and 14 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions.
Defensive Turnaround: The defense allowed just 16.8 points per game, a significant improvement from 2000’s 23.6 points allowed per game.
SEC Eastern Division Play: Georgia went 5–3 in conference play, defeating rivals Florida and Auburn while losing to Tennessee and Vanderbilt.
Bowl Eligibility and Selection: With a 7–4 record, Georgia was invited to the Cotton Bowl Classic, one of the most prestigious non-BCS bowls at the time.
Recruiting Momentum: The season’s success helped secure a top-15 recruiting class in 2002, including future stars like David Pollack and Thomas Davis.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2001 Georgia Bulldogs to recent seasons highlights the significance of this transitional year in program history.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Bowl Game	Final AP Rank
2001	10–2 (8–4)	5–3	Cotton Bowl (W)	16
2000	7–5	4–4	No Bowl	NR
2002	10–3	6–2	Sugar Bowl (W)	10
1998	8–4	4–4	Outback Bowl (L)	NR
1982	10–2	5–1	Jan. 1, 1983 Orange Bowl (W)	2

The 2001 season was pivotal in restoring Georgia’s national relevance. The 10–2 final record tied the program’s best since 1982, and the Cotton Bowl win signaled a return to elite status. Richt’s leadership and Greene’s poise under pressure became hallmarks of the program for years to come.

Why It Matters

The 2001 season was more than a successful debut for Mark Richt—it was a catalyst for sustained excellence in Georgia football. It reestablished the Bulldogs as a consistent contender in the SEC and revitalized fan support across the state.

Ended a 19-year drought without a 10-win season, last achieved in 1982 when Georgia won the national championship.
Established Mark Richt as a top-tier coach, earning SEC Coach of the Year honors and a 10-year contract extension.
Revitalized recruiting in Georgia, with the 2002 class featuring 24 signees, 15 of whom were ranked as four-star prospects.
Boosted attendance and revenue, with Sanford Stadium averaging over 90,000 fans per game, a program high at the time.
Laid groundwork for future success, including the 2002 SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida State.
Restored national credibility, as Georgia finished ranked 16th in the AP Poll, their first year-end ranking since 1998.

The 2001 Georgia Bulldogs season stands as a cornerstone in modern program history, bridging decades of inconsistency with a new era of sustained competitiveness and national recognition.