2010 Georgia Bulldogs Preview Odds

Georgia Bulldogs

8-5, 8-5 ATS, 2nd Place in SEC East

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +4000
Odds to Win SEC 9/1
at 5Dimes Sportsbook

Despite going 8-5, a record that a lot of teams would accept, Georgia is coming off the worst year in nine seasons under head coach Mark Richt. For the first time in the Richt regime, the Bulldogs did not finish in the AP or Coach’s poll. However, they are building off the momentum of a 44-20 Independence Bowl victory over Texas A&M. The question now is, can Georgia return to the top ranks of the SEC and national stage?

Offensive Outlook: The losses begin at quarterback. Joe Cox completed 55.9% of his passes last year for 2,584 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a somewhat unsettling 15 interceptions. Redshirt freshman in Aaron Murray will likely be tabbed as the starter. In the annual spring game, Murray completed 10 of 22 passes for 96 yards. Four of the five top wide receivers will return as targets for Murray, including AJ Green, who caught 53 balls for 808 yards and six touchdowns. The one loss in Michael Moore, accounted for 249 yards and five scores. Washan Ealey and Caleb King will return to lead the Bulldog rushing attack, which was ranked 47th in 2009. Obviously, the big question mark for this team overall, will be if Murray will be able to perform as a freshman. The rest of this offense looks ready to go.

Defensive Outlook: The Bulldog defense of 2009 gave up 339.4 yards per game, with 213.2 of them coming through the air. The defense also gave up 25.9 points per game, holding only Vanderbilt and Arizona State under 20 points. Safety Reshad Jones led in interceptions, with four, but he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins this year. The 2009 defense was a young one and should improve greatly. The key for Georgia will be to clamp down on opposing quarterbacks and slowing down the passing attack.

The Final Word: With several returning starters on both sides of the ball, the last puzzle piece will be Murray. If he performs, the schedule sets up for Georgia to finish in second place behind Florida. Early games at South Carolina and against Arkansas will show us what Murray is made of. A Top 25 finish would be considered a success.

2010 Georgia Bulldogs Prediction: 8-4, 2nd place in SEC East

2010 Georgia Bulldogs Schedule
9/4 Louisiana-Lafayette
9/11 @ South Carolina
9/18 Arkansas
9/25 @ Mississippi State
10/2 @ Colorado
10/9 Tennessee
10/16 Vanderbilt
10/23 @ Kentucky
10/30 vs. Florida (N)
11/6 Idaho State
11/13 @ Auburn
11/27 Georgia Tech