Fans complain about the Dawgs not winning the toughest conference in the nation. They call for Mark Richt’s head. Yet most still predict a division championship – even without a proven quarterback. That’s expecting too much. Nick Chubb may very well be the best back in the country. He just wears you down. The coaches weren’t given enough credit for wearing down opponents defenses with a cadre of running backs, then using a fresh Chubb in the fourth quarter. This year should be no exception, with a healthy Michel, Marshal, and others.
Two keys: (1) keeping Chubb healthy and getting consistent quarterback play. (2) can an average UVA QB up his game to beat Auburn and Alabama? I don’t see how. Could one of last year’s backups come through? I sure hope so. Otherwise Georgia is in for a long year.
September 5 vs Louisiana Monroe: too easy of a win to find a quarterback. Keep everyone healthy. 1 – 0.
September 12 at Vanderbilt: this isn’t the Commodores of two years ago, but playing in Nashville ain’t easy. Vandy can’t stop the Bulldog running game, and Georgia wins. 2 – 0.
September 19 vs South Carolina: this aren’t the Gamecocks of two years ago. Last year in Columbia the Dawgs were one or two plays away from victory. This time they win. 3 - 0.
September 26 vs Southern: a big win on Parent’s Day. By now hopefully one of the QB’s have stepped forward. 4 – 0.
October 3 vs Alabama: a close game, at night, on national TV. Perhaps College Game Day visits. The team with the best QB wins. As usual, it’s Bama. 4 – 1.
October 10 at Tennessee: tough to travel to Knoxville a week after playing Alabama. The Vols coach will scream and complain to the refs. You’d think this would get old after a while, but the Vols have improved. But they can’t stop Georgia’s running game. The first of three straight close ones. 5 – 1.
October 17 vs Missouri: the Tigers come in thinking they’ll win. Maty Mauk is the still the QB. He still has nightmares about last years’ game. Close, but Georgia wins. 6 – 1.
October 31 vs Florida in Jacksonville: nice to have momentum in this series. The Gators will be improved, but Georgia wins a close one. 7 – 1.
November 7 vs Kentucky: The Wildcats are no pushover, but they’re easier to beat between the hedges. 8 – 1.
November 14 at Auburn: two years ago Auburn needed a miracle to beat Georgia at home. Both teams are moving up in the rankings. Another game won by the team with the best QB. Auburn squeaks by again. 8 – 2.
November 21 vs Georgia Southern: the south Georgia Eagles fans will predict victory. They’ll be wrong. The Dawgs make a statement. 9 – 2.
November 28 at Georgia Tech: UGA lost last year – barely. Jacket fans have long forgotten the four or five crucial plays that went Tech’s way last year. Georgia won’t let it happen two years in a row. 10 – 2.
December 5 vs Auburn (SEC Championship Game in Atlanta): Same result in a rematch. Instead of getting credit for winning the division without a decent quarterback, Mark Richt is derided for not winning the conference and national championships. Despite rushing for 2000 yards, Nick Chubb is not invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation. 10 – 3.
January 1: Citrus/Outback Bowl: Chubb and company wear down one more opponent. And more good news: Mr. Eason arrives on campus in time for spring practice. 11 – 3.
Worst case: Chubb goes down. No QB steps up. Georgia loses not only to Alabama and Auburn but also Tennessee and Florida (and someone else?). No division championship.
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