Top 5 Reasons Georgia Bulldogs Win it All in 2008

Top 5 reasons Georgia wins it all in 2008

With the 2008 season rapidly approaching, much has been said about the Georgia Bulldogs and their preseason ranking.  While many “experts” continue to say Georgia is No. 1, just as many point to the tough schedule and say, “not so fast.”

No one will deny that Georgia is an extremely talented team. No one would disagree that Georgia will almost certainly have a great season. But many expect Georgia to fail.

Some accuse the masses of creating this hype. The media picked Georgia No. 1, not the fans.

So it is now their spot to win or lose. I think they can win it all.

Here are my Top Five Reasons.

5) The Schedule. This years schedule lines up as one of the toughest in recent memory.  The SEC is tough year after year, so no surprise here. 

But Georgia plays six teams this year who are ranked in the preseason top 25, tough even by SEC standards. But instead of looking at the schedule as a stumbling block, I choose to look at it as the momentum builder.

Here’s why.

Two early tests against South Carolina on the road and Tennessee at home, give Georgia the opportunity to gain some revenge. The two early losses last year against these two teams kept Georgia out of the Championship game.

Coach Richt will have his team ready for these two match ups. Momentum gained.

On the tale end, trips to LSU and Auburn would worry even the most optimistic fans. But the Dawgs have won the last two meetings with LSU, and those Tigers from Auburn are still reeling from a “Black Out” in Athens last fall.

Throw in a game down in Jacksonville against the Gators, and you get a true sense of just how tough this schedule will be. Urban Meyer may be planning a dance of his own, but will he get the chance to use it?

Games against Arizona St., Alabama and Georgia Tech could all be nail biters.

But, since what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…I honestly look for the Dawgs to get off to a fast start, and build on that momentum. Call me crazy.

4) The Fans. Saturday afternoons in Athens are truly a wonderful experience. 92,746 friends will gather game after game to cheer on the Dawgs. This year the excitement will be at an all time high (at least since number 34 roamed the sidelines).

The buzz around Athens has been building since January. While the fans don’t make any tackles or complete any passes, they do generate the energy that should take the Dawgs through their home schedule unblemished.

Dawg fans also travel well, and will certainly represent and make their presence felt from Arizona to Baton Rouge to Auburn.

3) UGA VII. A mascot would not normally show up on a list of reasons you plan to win, but UGA is no normal Mascot. After losing UGA VI this past offseason, a new UGA will step on the field come August 30 (I know football normally starts in September, but not this year).

Winning a National Championship in his first year would be a feat no mascot could touch.  UGA VII will be determined to make that happen. Other SEC mascots beware. UGA VII will be patrolling the sidelines this fall, and he will take no prisoners.

He will make the Dawg Nation proud.

2) Coach Mark Richt.  Coach Richt has moved into some very elite company in his first seven seasons as the UGA head coach. A record of 72-19 puts him fourth in winning percentage among active head coaches. Two SEC titles, three SEC East crowns and a 5-2 Bowl record make for a nice resume. 

Georgia under Richt is 29-2 against non-conference opponents, and 25-4 when playing on an opponent’s home field. Coach Richt is one of only nine coaches in history to win 60 games in their first six seasons, and 70 in their first seven seasons.

Only six Coaches have won two SEC Championships in their first five seasons, Coach Richt makes that list as well. The list goes on and on.

Coach Richt will be a steady influence this season. The stakes are high, and his calm demeanor will keep his team focused on the game at hand.    

1) Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno.  Georgia fans are extremely excited to start the season with these two in the backfield.  Who could blame them? Moreno is already generating Heisman talk as a sophomore, and Matthew Stafford has become the leader of a team loaded with talent.

Both players lead by example on the field. Stafford shows poise and calm in the huddle, while Knowshon's energy and enthusiasm stand out to everyone who watches. These two players stand ready to lead this team, neither appear unequipped for the job. 

Moreno will add to his impressive freshman season (1,334 yards and 14 TD) and Stafford should continue to improve as he has since he first took a snap between the hedges. Last year his numbers improved (2,523 yards and 19 TD) and there is no reason to believe he won't add to those this season.

Georgia is deep at the skill positions as well. RB's Caleb King and Richard Samuel could both make significant contributions. AJ Green even as a freshman, could give Stafford a big target to throw to. The defense will also be a strength, and should be able to "hunker down" when they are needed.

So there you have it. 

Hype? Not really. The Nation is just acknowledging a very talented team. 

Over rated? Time will tell, but I don't think they are. After all this is the SEC, when you do lose it's generally to another very good team.

It's a long season, anything can happen. 

Who knows, Vanderbilt might win the East this season.  It could happen!!