Top 10 in almost every poll and the easiest schedule in the SEC. This is the year to do it.
Next year the defense will be ridiculously young. Florida and Tennnessee won't be down forever. Who knows how long before CMR is done (fired or otherwise) which means a transition peroid. The defense should be as good as any in the CMR era with NFL guys all over the place. The offense has a veteran leader and a WR corpse as good as any in the SEC. The line is questionable but it always is. There are 4 backs, somebody should be good.
The one thing that has me worried to death are the kicker and punter. As is Georgia's custom, there will be drives that fall off a cliff inside the red zone and there will be close games. There's a reason why Billy Bennent set records that were almost broken by Coutu and some broken by Walsh. We kick a lot. The Morgan kid is probably good but he has to be really good to get Georgia where we all want them to go. So far, the reports have been nothing better than average. On the other hand, punting reports have been good. Just make sure you catch it and get it away and I'll take almost anything after that from a freshman.
Most Important Offensive Player: David Andrews. There aren't many other options behind him and if he can't get it done then the circus with the rest of the line ensues.
Most Important Defensive Player: Shawn Williams. I don't think many teams will be able to consistently drive the ball against our defense. Negating big plays will fall on the safeties and Williams is not only pretty good but seems to be the leader.
Breakout Offensive Player: Chris Conley. A lot of talent and could be a 3rd or 4th threat which is dangerous.
Breakout Defensive Player: Abry Jones. Has had a solid career and everything you hear out of camp is really good. If he can be tough to block the defense might never give up a yard rushing, despite CTG's antics.
Offensive Underachiever: John Theus. Not saying he will be bad but it will be hard for him to do the job that many think he can handle with ease. Some made him the starter before his senior year of high school and blocking guys like Clowney a month into college is asking a lot. I hope hes the next Jonathan Ogden and I think he will be a great one but can he be good enough this year?
Defensive Underachiever: Branden Smith. Maybe he's here moreso for his career than this season. He's probably been a better offensive player than defensive and maybe the coaches have misused him. He has plently of competition now and hopefully he can be the player we imagined 4 years ago at the CB position.
Offensive Overachiever: Artie Lynch
Defenvie Overachiever: Amarlo Herrera
Biggest Game of the Year: Missouri. Everybody says South Carolina with good reason. However, mentality and attitude wise, Georgia has to beat Mizzou. The Dawgs are thinking big prize and losing early would alter everything for the season. Georgia could lose 3 games and still make the SECCG, but losing this game to a team we should beat could be crippling.
Biggest Key: Special Teams. Obvious with the kicker but return game takes a hit in losing Boykin and the coverage teams have to be better than they were last year.
- Georgia is talented and has all the makings for a special team . However, Georgia teams under CMR have not always performed well under high expectations. Murray has to put up good numbers for a 3rd straight year. A running back needs to emerge. Jarvis Jones and Rambo can't possibly be as good as they were last year. Special teams are as unpredictable as ever.
If Georgia gets to the SECCG with 1 loss or less, I think they win it. Having said that, I see a 10-2 record. Losses will come @ Carolina and either Jacksonvile or @ Auburn. This team is good enough to win it all but depth at O-line and Kicker still overwhelm my ability to put us in Miami.
SECCG: LSU over Carolina
NCG: Oklahoma over LSU
Capitol One Bowl: Georgia vs. Wisconsin
