Rece Davis thinks Georgia is capable of repeating as national champion, but the ESPN broadcaster also believes the Bulldogs won’t have to endure another 40-year drought between trophies.

“I think it’s better than people think,” he said on ESPN’s First Take of the chances to repeat this season. “But the first thing I would say is when they gave (Kirby Smart) a 10-year, $112 million contract, they’re counting on not having to wait until 2062 to win another national championship. You know they just ended a 41-year drought. And they won’t have to wait that long. Now I don’t make them the favorite this year, but their schedule is very favorable to get to the SEC Championship Game against Alabama.”

Davis noted that Jalen Carter, an elite defensive lineman is back, which will cushion the blow of the losses Georgia suffered on defense.

“And Stetson Bennett is just a baller, he’s a playmaker,” Davis said. “He’s a winner. So I think they’ve got a decent chance. I don’t think they’re better than Alabama.”

But he added if Georgia could beat Alabama, the Bulldogs could get to the College Football Playoff, and are talented enough to beat anyone.

Before those games, Davis and ESPN’s “College GameDay” will open the season with a Week 1 destination at the West Virginia-Pitt game in Pittsburgh to add some flavor to the Backyard Brawl.