Mark Richt has a 96-34 record in 10 seasons but he can’t afford another lackluster season in Athens.
With 13 returning starters including quarterback Aaron Murray, the Bulldogs have higher hopes than last year’s third place finish in the SEC East.
Murray has the tools to be one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC after setting the Georgia freshman record with 3,216 total yards but the offense around him has plenty of question marks heading into the season.
Senior Tavarres King is Murray’s only proven receiver and freshman running back Isaiah Crowell will have to be the main ground threat after the transfer of Washaun Ealey and academically ineligible Caleb King.
The offensive line will be led by center Ben Jones, guard Kenarious Gates and tackle Cordy Glenn.
The defense should be led by end DeAngelo Tyson, linebacker Christian Robinson and cornerback Brandon Boykin.
Inside linebacker Alec Ogletree, strong safety Bacarri Rambo and free safety Sanders Commings are also expected to be stars for the Bulldogs.
Special teams don’t get a lot of respect, but kicker Blair Walsh, punter Drew Butler and returner Boykin complete the triple-threat.
Another six-win season is very possible, especially as the Bulldogs open the season against Boise State (12-1) and SEC East champion South Carolina (9-5).
Georgia should improve its record to 2-2 after entertaining Coastal Carolina (6-6) and a road trip to Mississippi (4-8).
The season can slip quickly down or make a significant improvement with a home game against Mississippi State (9-4) before road trips to Tennessee (6-7) and Vanderbilt (2-10).
After the annual clash in Jacksonville with rival Florida (8-5), the Bulldogs have three straight home games against New Mexico State (2-10), BCS champion Auburn (14-0) and Kentucky (6-7).
The showdown with Georgia Tech (6-7) could be vital to become bowl eligible, but if the season finishes at 6-6, Richt will once again feel the heat from the Bulldog fans and possibly the UGA athletic administration.
NEXT: South Carolina
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