September 3rd can't get here fast enough. I figured that it's about time for a breakdown of the schedule awaiting the 2011 Georgia Bulldogs.
Boise State comes to Atlanta on September 3rd in what many are saying is pretty much a "home game" for the Bulldogs. However, these dawgs don't have much experience playing in a dome, much less the Georgia Dome. Aside from the game being played in Georgia and most seats occupied by Georgia fans, Boise State is still favored in Vegas. Boise lost 2 superstar WR to the NFL and they have huge holes to fill on the outside. Please keep in mind, though, that they return their Heisman finalist QB and top rated RB from last year's 1 loss team. Georgia has to replace 1st round draft pick, AJ Green, along with a few offensive lineman that have moved onto the NFL and/or have left the team for other reasons. The backfield at Georgia only returns one player in QB Aaron Murray. Murray has been voted 1st team ALL SEC this preseason and a lot will fall on his shoulders this year as he will likely be handing the ball off to a couple of freshman tailbacks all year. The play of RS Freshman Ken Malcome and Isaiah Crowell will be a huge determining factor this season and, especially, in this opening game. But that's enough about offense. Besides, defense wins championships in most occasions. Boise's D from last year was very quick and hungry. They use several undersized D Linemen and backers to pressure the QB and penetrate the backfield. Georgia, on the other hand, is looking very big up front with some great speed at all positions. Year 2 for Granrtham needs to be a huge improvement for the dawgs to be successful this season. In the end, though, I believe Georgia can escape game 1 with a 10 point victory over Boise State. Now it's back to Athens to host the SEC favorite South Carolina Gamecocks.
In recent years UGA has struggled to score on South Carolina as the Gamecocks have consistently been very strong at the year's beginnning, particularly on defense. This year should be a low scoring affair as well as the Gamecocks have scored top rated DE Jadeveon Clowney and he is expected to contribute this season. Gamecock QB Stephen Garcia has had some additional off the field trouble this past offseason but Spurrier is confident his Senior QB will have a breakout year. Honestly, Garcia should have a great season considering he returns arguably the best WR and RB in the conference. Alshon Jeffery had a tremendous year last year as well as then freshman RB Marcus Lattimore. This game in generally decided by turnovers and I have to give the edge to the Bulldogs here because the game is being played in Athens.
Look out for this year's under-the-radar SEC team if they start 2-0. Last year Auburn was not supposed to do much and they won all of their games. This could easily be the year for the dawgs because they don't face Arkansas, LSU, or Alabama from the SEC West. A 2-0 start could very well mean a BCS finale. Check back later for additional prognosis on later games.
