October 17: #11 Georgia @ Vanderbilt
I think that the 2006 loss at home to Vandy forever forced Georgia never to overlook the Commodores. And after coming off of a bowl victory against Boston College, I guarantee Vanderbilt will have more than enough desire to upset a couple teams.
Vanderbilt finished 117th in total offense last season, however, their commitment to fundamentals led them to success. The offensive line should allow the running backs and quarterback Larry Smith yo become comfortable.
But it's still Vanderbilt. Don't expect too much.
Vandy returns 9 starters on defense this year. Vanderbilt's defense was the key to the Commodore's dream season, and it should again assist Vandy in their attempt to make a second consecutive bowl appearance.
As much as I respect Vanderbilt, the Commodores will be no match for the Bulldogs as Georgia takes it to the home team 42-13.
October 31: #8 Georgia vs Florida
I, along with ninety percent of the country, believe that the Gators will be virtually unstoppable in 2009. However, the Gators can get cocky, so an upset along the way is not out of the question.
Florida's offense should again be one of the best in the country. Tim Tebow is, well, Tim Tebow, running backs Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are scary-good.
The biggest question is at wide receiver. The question isn't if someone will rise up as a playmaker but who.
Everyone has heard about the Gator defense returning all eleven starters from last season. Their defense was ninth in the nation. Need I say more?
Obviously, I can't pick the Dawgs to win against arguably the best Gator team in Florida's history. However, a bye week the week before makes the game much closer than last year's embarrassing defeat.
Gators secure the SEC East with a 35-24 victory over the Bulldogs.
November 7th: #11 Georgia vs Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech is easily the worst team the Dawgs play this season. The Eagles are bottom feeders in the FCS so they really don't stand a chance against the Bulldogs.
Georgia receives a nice "break" after a heart-breaking loss to Florida. Tennessee Tech goes down 52-14.
November 14: #11 Georgia vs Auburn
Both Auburn and Tennessee were the two biggest disappointments of the SEC in 2008.
The Tigers will be looking for improvement from new Head Coach Gene Chizik. The Bulldogs will be looking for their fourth win in a row against Auburn.
The Tiger offense was stagnant last season. Their defense gave them all the chances in the world, but the offense just couldn't produce.
If the offensive line can get over depth issues, senior running back Ben Tate should be even more dangerous. Watch for the Tigers to score more than 17 points per game next year.
The Auburn defense could be great next season, but once again, depth could present an issue after some injuries to key players in throughout the spring.
The Tigers could be a surprise to the fans and the rest of the SEC. Luckily, Auburn won't sneak up on the Dawgs late in the season because they will already know what Auburn is capable of.
Bulldogs make a streak out of the series and win it 28-17.
November 21: #9 Georgia vs Kentucky
After escaping Kentucky with a 42-38 win last season, the Bulldogs will need to remind Kentucky who they are.
Georgia will be hoping to secure a Top 10 spot entering the postseason.
Productivity in the offense will rely on the improvement of quarterback Mike Hartline. Wide receiver Randall Cobb is a home-run threat along with running back Alfonso Smith who has world class speed.
Georgia should not have a hard time containing Kentucky, but that is hard to say when the Wildcats gave the Georgia defense fits last season.
Despite only returning five starters on defense, the Wildcats should again be stout. Kentucky has created a reputation for having a respectable defense.
Unfortunately, the offenses have yet to help them out. Watch cornerback Trevard Lindley. He should have an outstanding senior season.
I expect this game to be a defensive battle, and maybe a little closer than predicted. Georgia wins 30-21 and heads into its showdown with Georgia Tech at 9-2.
November 28: #8 Georgia @ Georgia Tech
I cannot wait until this regular season finale, and it's been a seven long years since I could actually say that.
Although the loss last season stung (pun intended) it renewed the rivalry. The Bulldogs will head into this game looking for revenge while the Jackets will have a new sense of confidence.
Any questions about the ability of Paul Johnson's offense to work in the FBS were answered when Georgia Tech finished fourth in rushing offense last season.
However, Georgia Tech finished 116th in passing offense, making that the focus of the offseason. Look for running back Jonathan Dwyer to have a huge season.
The defense is set at linebacker and secondary, but the defensive line is a gigantic question. If those problems persist throughout the season, the best way to beat the Yellow Jackets will be with a taste of their own medicine, the run.
Georgia Tech will be many peoples' pick to win for the second year in a row. Unfortunately for them, history tells us otherwise. The Dawgs take back what is theirs and win a thriller 24-21. Go Dawgs!
Post Season Possibilities
The Bulldogs will finish the 2009 season in second place of the SEC East, a No. 7 ranking, and will watch as the Gators take down the winners of the SEC West.
The SEC Championship game will be the deciding factor for where the Dawgs will go in the postseason.
If the loser of the SEC championship game finishes 10-3, the Bulldogs could be looking at a bid to the Sugar Bowl while the Gators head to the National Title.
However, if the loser of the SEC finishes 11-2, they would most likely get the BCS bid while the Dawgs make a second consecutive trip to the Capitol One Bowl.
Regardless of the outcome of next season, it should be a great one. The team will again make us proud to say, "It's great to be a Georgia Bulldog!"
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