CFB Opening Weekend: The UGA-Boise State Showdown Is Not Crucial for the Dawgs

For Boise State fans and SEC fans, this game is very important. For the Dawgs, it is just another football game in the regular season.

We all know the failings of Georgia in 2010 and their urgency to succeed this year, which is what gives this game more fan importance than actual importance for the team. They are playing a top 10 team on opening weekend on national TV inside the Georgia Dome. 

This sets the stage for what many are calling one of the biggest games of the year. For Broncos, it actually does hold importance for their season. Their adversaries, though, do not give the game the same deference.

First of all, for the Broncos they have to be undefeated this season to have any chance to make the BCS Championship Game. They also want to prove to the country that they are for real and can beat a team from the toughest conference in football.

So obviously, the Broncos' entire season hinges upon the outcome of this game. The Bulldogs, too, have been planning far in advance for this game, but they are not depending on this game to determine how their season turns out. They have to compete against SEC teams week in and week out, something that the Broncos cannot say.

The Dawgs also do not lose ground or gain ground in the SEC East if they win or lose, but just get a rankings and confidence boost. Sure it would be nice to win the game and silent Boise State and their fan base, but if they lost, the game would only be needed practice for their game against USC the next week.

In a way, it is a win-win situation for the Dawgs, while the Broncos are in a worse off position. If they win, then they cleared their first hurdle towards the BCS, but if they lose, then their season is all but over.

No Georgia fan wants their team to lose, but it would not be the end of the world for the team like it would be for Boise State. Georgia's new players get experience playing in a big game, and they will be better prepared for South Carolina, barring injuries.

All of this is not to downplay the game but to put it into perspective. Boise needs the win, while Georgia merely wants the win. Mark Richt certainly is in the hot seat, but Greg McGarity, Georgia's AD, surely realizes that the SEC can still be won even after losing the first game of the season.

Georgia may carry a do or die approach to this game, but it is reasonable to believe that the Georgia Bulldogs will treat this game like every other and hope that they can outplay the Broncos from Boise.