SEC Schedule a Day: Georgia

Big time expectations for Georgia this year. Which I'd say often happens with a team that has won their bowl game and returns their entire backfield. There is no doubt the Dawgs are talented this year. The question is how the hold up to the expectations and schedule. You'll remember that LSU was in a very similar situation last year and ended up losing two games. They ended up winning the national championship and there coach is insane. So I'm not sure how that applies.

8/30 Georgia Southern

Is Georgia Southern fun? Yes. Do they have a chance? No. Chris Hatcher brings an exciting style of play into Stanford Stadium but not enough talent. Take for example Troy. The Trojans took UGA to the absolute limit last year but they weren't able to pull out the victory. And Troy is light years better than Georgia Southern. UGA starts off the season with a healthy victory.

9/6 Central Michigan

Georgia doesn't give themselves many breaks with out of conference scheduling these days. Dan LeFevour is the talented QB for a dangerous Chippewas team. Central Michigan doesn't have enough defense to pull out the victory, but they can score enough points to keep the UGA starters in for most of the game. But this games also serves as a test for the defensive secondary, who get a chance to hone their skills before the Arizona State game.

9/13 @ South Carolina

The first of 4 very tough road games for Georgia which doesn't even count the game in Gainesville. South Carolina's defense should be improved over the injury decimated performance throughout the 2007 season. Georgia however should be able to defensively control the Gamecocks at this early point in the season. Georgia wins in a close one.

9/20 @ Arizona State

That's a hell of a turnaround for Georgia. Get back from the game in Columbia, get maybe three days of good practice in and then fly cross country. That being said, I think the Georgia defense will be able to wreak havoc on the Sun Devils. Pair that with a strong rushing performance and the Dawgs should be able to stay in control most of this game. It should be battle but I think Georgia pulls out there second straight tough road win.

9/27 bama

Georgia returns home to Sanford Stadium at 4-0 and still #1 in the country to face Nick Saban and the tide. The crowd alone should carry the team on to a win. Breaking it down, bama doesn't have the linebackers to keep up with Knowshon Moreno all day. He'll break off at least a couple of huge gainers. Defensively Georgia should have the pass rush to cause the tide fits all day. Dawgs roll.

10/11 Tennessee

After a very much needed off week, the Vols roll into town. This seems like a game where UT is able to open an early lead, possibly 10-14 points at half time. Then the team wakes up at half time and comes storming back. Georgia ends up wining by 7-14 points.

10/18 Vanderbilt

This is the mental break Georgia needs. Theoretically this would be a trap game, but Georgia is so physically dominant compared to Vandy they can somehow manage to win this game. Mainly this is a game that Georgia doesn't have to emotionally get up for. They stay undefeated and get ready for another monster matchup.

10/25 @ LSU

LSU has the defense and the athletes on offense. They lack the QB. LSU should be able to pull through several games based on talent and fear alone. But I think they will struggle in these big time matchups. Georgia also gets the break by this game supposedly being on CBS instead of a Death Valley night game. Stafford and Moreno will need to have good games but Georgia's offensive line will have to be outstanding to pull out the victory. The Georgia bandwagon hits full capacity after this win.

11/1 The World's Largest Outdoor Coke Orgy

Obviously Georgia will not be overlooking Florida. But I think they could get too hyped for this game and press too much. Matt Stafford passes up the easy dump off and forces a deep throw. The cornerbacks gamble too much and go for picks or the linebackers key on Tebow too much. It's just too much too ask of Georgia. Look at their schedule in 2002 when they went 13-1. Do you see how much easier that was? Georgia may face up to 8 ranked teams when they meet this year. Up to as many as 5 top 10 teams. It's hard to play mistake free for 5 games. I think Stafford throws a couple picks, maybe some other unlucky plays or calls and the Bulldog balloon is busted.

11/8 @ Kentucky

You have to rebound quick before you lose your season. It's gotta be tough to focus that next week but you need to take your anger out on someone. Getting out of town might help a little as well. UGA finds a way to get the victory in this one.

11/15 @ Auburn

Two one loss teams fighting for a chance to stay alive in the national championship picture. Which depending on the rest of the national scene, means it probably has a little less anticipation than the 2004 game. Auburn will be looking for redemption after two crushing losses in a row. The 2006 game was a blood bath and the 2007 game was a 4th quarter explosion. Auburn has retooled the offense and defense this year partly in response to those two games. I think Auburn has the attitude and the talent to pull out a victory. Could be a classic in the mold of the 4th quarter finishes in 2005 (AU) and 2002 (UGA).

11/29 Georgia Tech

Paul Johnson needs another year before he's ready to compete in this game.

SEC: 6-2
Season: 10-2

It's not what I would call a disappointment, though I know many will feel that way after the early expectations. It's just a bit too much schedule to handle.