ATHENS — It is hard to believe that Georgia has not seen a 7-0 start since 2005.

The Bulldogs have capitalized on strong contributions from all three phases of the game and hit the bye week as the only undefeated team in the SEC East.

Here are the 10 biggest reasons for the hot start:

1. Running game

Georgia is averaging just over 282 yards per game, second in the SEC. The return of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel has helped the Bulldogs solidify a part of the offense that struggled at times in 2016. UGA also added freshman D’Andre Swift to the fold. The underclassman led the team in rushing yards on Saturday night against Missouri.

Swift finished the 53-28 win over the Tigers with 94 yards on six carries. That included a career-long 71-yard run. We also have not mentioned that Georgia still looks to Brian Herrien to provide production out of the backfield. Sophomore Elijah Holyfield has also seen game action.

2. Defense

The expectations were sky high. Georgia returned 10 starters from a unit that finished 16th nationally in total defense. The sack total (10) and turnovers (10) aren’t as high as fans would like to see. However, they have not missed many tackles and are allowing 12.6 points per game, again second in the SEC. Turnovers and sacks are areas that the defense would like to see improve. Everything else has been strong.

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3. Jake Fromm

The freshman quarterback came into a tough situation, when he needed to become the team’s starter in just the second game of the season. Fromm was not expected to see the field as much as he has, before Jacob Eason left the opening game with a knee injury.

Fromm posted a career-best performance Saturday night against Missouri, throwing for 326 yards. The offense had been mostly centered around the running game, before the passing game was used the way it was against the Tigers. Fromm’s best performance previously was 201 yards against Mississippi State.

Fromm has only thrown three interceptions in six starts. A huge surprise is that he has also shown that he can pick up rushing yards. The freshman QB has run for three touchdowns.

4. Kirby Smart’s second year

There are very few people who could have believed Georgia would open 7-0 in Kirby Smart’s second season. Smart has been helped by the return of Chubb, Michel and outside linebackers Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter as seniors. Georgia has also benefited from players buying into what Smart is trying to sell in Athens.

The longtime Alabama defensive coordinator was known for his superior recruiting ability. He has seen positive returns in the first two signing classes at UGA, and will likely see another great crop of talent come to his campus in 2018. As of now, Georgia has the nation’s best running back — Zamir White and best dual-threat quarterback — Justin Fields committed. The positive momentum for Smart continues to grow.

5. Coaching continuity

Before this season, Georgia had seen constant turnover on its coaching staff. This is the first time the Bulldogs brought back the same offensive coordinator since 2014. The only coaching change was when Tray Scott was brought in to replace Tracy Rocker. In addition to the team growing with Smart in Year 2, it has helped that they’ve been able to do the same with their position coaches.

Continuity helps reinforce the message and shows that things are going well. If this on-field success continues, then Smart will likely see some coaching changes this coming offseason. However, Smart would surely be fine with having to replace a coach who has left for another job. That shows that things are going well.

6. Offensive line

The offensive line has been a huge bright spot. This is the same group that was beaten up at times last season. The biggest example of their improvement is in the running game, where the Dawgs ranked No. 9 in the SEC last year. They have also only surrendered eight sacks.

A crucial key for Georgia’s improved play up front is that they have seen the same starting five for almost every game. This includes senior Isaiah Wynn moving to left tackle, after playing guard in 2016. They have also added in freshman Andrew Thomas to play right tackle. Position coach Sam Pittman was known for his ability to recruit. Now, he’s showing that he’s a good on-field coach.

7. Better wide receiver play

The wide receivers are showing huge improvement. This group was known for not being able to get separation last season. Players like Terry Godwin have stepped forward and become the team’s leading receiver. Godwin has five receiving touchdowns, along with 16 catches for 369 yards. Senior Javon Wims (below) has chipped in with 18 catches for 312 yards.

Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

The group needed a jumpstart in athleticism and got it with the addition of Mecole Hardman. The sophomore was converted from cornerback in 2016. Hardman showed off his athletic ability with a 35-yard rushing and 59-yard touchdown catch against Missouri.

8. Special teams

Georgia’s largest improvement in special teams has been in the punting game. Credit the addition of graduate transfer Cameron Nizialek for that. The former Columbia product has averaged almost 44 yards per punt and 13 of his 26 punts have landed inside the opponent’s 20. Rodrigo Blankenship has been fantastic in kicking field goals and blasting kickoffs. Blankenship has 37 touchbacks on 49 kicks this season. He is also 10-11 on his field goal tries.

9. Experience

This roster seems to be perfectly balanced with young and older players. The biggest key was the return of Chubb, Michel, Lorenzo Carter and Bellamy. We can’t forget about safety Dominick Sanders coming back for his senior season. The best example of experience helping this program is with the defensive line. The group played five freshmen in 2016. Now, that group is a year older and has shown great results through seven games. The returning players are trying to end the five-year streak of not winning the SEC East.

10. Super freshmen

Three freshmen have made meaningful contributions. You already know about Swift and Andrew Thomas. Have you heard of inside linebacker Monty Rice? The linebacker racked up five total tackles Saturday against Missouri.

Rice has been thrust into playing time after senior Reggie Carter went down with an injury and junior Natrez Patrick was suspended.

Rice is being asked to play more, in addition to junior Juwan Taylor being made a starter. Kirby Smart has shown that he is not shy about getting young players on the field. He has also seen positive returns from these decisions.