(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

The preseason AP Poll was released this week and, as expected, the Georgia Bulldogs sit at the No. 13 spot. Most of the polls have Georgia in that neighborhood, ahead of their cross state rival Georgia Tech, and right behind their opening day opponent, the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Many feel that despite all the talent that Georgia has, the loss of Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will be too much to replace. The Dawgs may have a decent year winning eight or nine games, but nothing more should be expected.

If I may quote Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend."

I believe that all that talent will come together this year, minus the "superstar" type player, and give Florida and the rest of the SEC a run for their money. By doing so, when the season ends Georgia will be right back in the top ten and playing in a major bowl game.

So for those of you who don't believe, or who think I'm off my rocker...here you have the Top five reasons that I feel that way.

In no particular order, here you go...

1. Head coach Mark Richt

Most agree that Mark Richt is a great head coach. Yes, he has his faults, just like any other head coach. But as a Dawg fan I would not trade him for any other head coach.

Many have made this point, but it is worth repeating. Richt seems to do his best work when the Dawgs are flying under the radar. His record at an opponent's home field is an incredible 30-4. Most of the time you are not expected to win when you go on the road. At least to that degree. Several challenging road games are on the schedule this season, and that winning tradition under Coach Richt will help guide the Dawgs through those tough games.

Coach Richt was not happy with the way things played out last year. The Alabama and Florida games in particular left a bad taste in the mouth of all the Dawg Nation. This year there is a challenge ahead for coach Richt. Many doubt just as they did in 2005.

I for one believe he is up to that task.

2. The Opener

The Dawgs open on the road this season against the Cowboys of Oklahoma State. The Cowboys will swagger in with a lot of confidence and a lot of talent when they take the field on Sept. 5. They will believe, as Arizona State did last season, that they are up to the challenge. They will put up a respectable fight in the first half. But in the end the Dawgs will prevail leaving OSU in their wake.

Yes I know, I sound pretty confident.

But as a Dawg fan we have seen this before. OSU in  2007. Arizona State in 2008. Boise State in 2005 (many picked the Broncos to upset the Dawgs in Athens). But when you play in the "toughest conference in the nation," according to college football expert Phil Steele, you know what good competition is.

So, get ready OSU...the Dawgs are coming to town.

3. The Defense

The Dawgs recorded only 24 sacks last season. Compared to 42 in 2007, that is a significant drop.

Injuries played a big part in the lack of pass rush the Dawgs generated, and with several key players returning that should change. Jeff Owens presence in the middle of the Defensive line, next to Geno Atkins should give the Dawgs confidence to bring on the rush. Roderick Battle has looked great in camp, and Marcus Washington has also moved to the line and into the mix.

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