University of Georgia 2009 Preview

While the 2008 season began with the highest of aspirations for the Bulldog nation, it ended with a let down, even though they did win 10 games. The Dawgs were preseason number one and had a lot to live up to and unfortunately they were unable to do so.

While a 10-3 record in '08 was very acceptable, it was considered a disappointing season becasue of the preseason ranking plus the fact that the Bulldogs lost to Alabama at home, then lost to hated rivals Florida and Georgia Tech. You can bet that coach Mark Richt will have something ready for that Yellow Jackets' option game this time around, though.

Being ranked preseason number one gives a team little margin for error if it wants to go all the way to a national title, and UGA wasn't able to measure up last season. This year, however, coach Richt is probably right where he wants to be in the preseason: in the top 15, but without a lot of hype like last season. Richt-coached teams always do better flying under the radar and this year they are poised to do some damage.

The Dawgs, as usual, have a tough schedule in the SEC and also face a difficult out of conference schedule in 2009. They open the season at Oklahoma State as they christen the Cowboys' new stadium in Stillwater. Then, they play host to Arizona State, which should be a tougher opponent than they were last year under coach Dennis Erickson.

Next they will also host Tennessee Tech, which is the one team on their schedule that I would label as a cupcake game this season (take that Penn St., USC, Ohio St., etc., basically any team not in the SEC). Finally, they finish the year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta in the game known as "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate," and I know they have this game circled after last year's debacle in Athens.

Georgia loses some key players including number one overall pick Matt Stafford and "All Everything" running back Knowshon Moreno, also a first round pick, but the Dawgs should be able to reload and, with a strong defense, be ready to compete again in the SEC and on the national scene.

The offense should focus around true sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green who is poised to have a monster season after last year's production as a true freshman. The offensive line, which was banged up and had to rely heavily on underclassmen last year, should be healthier and deeper this year as well.

The defense should also be very good with Geno Atkins returning for his senior season and linemen Jeff Owens and Kade Weston anchoring the D-line. And, of course, I can't forget to mention maybe the best player on the whole squad, linebacker Rennie Curran, who is the SEC's leading returning tackler (115 tackles, 3 sacks) from last season.

Even with the very tough schedule, easily one of the toughest in the nation, Mark Richt will find a way to win at least nine games this year and, if senior QB Joe Cox can have a terrific year, the Dawgs may very well find themselves at least in a BCS game. It will be difficult to beat Florida and LSU, but the Dawgs can go 10-2 and make another BCS game, which is a successful season in my book.

The key game for me is the opener at Oklahoma St. in Stillwater. Winning this game will give the Bulldogs a load of confidence heading into their SEC schedule, which could mean a world of difference.

When it comes to SEC games like LSU, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida, anything can happen so they need as much confidence early on in the season as possible. 10-2 and another BCS game is totally do-able in my book and, if things go right, who knows, maybe they'll knock off Florida and win the SEC. I'm not saying they will, but you never know.