Georgia Football: The 5 Toughest 2012 Opponents for the Bulldogs

The 2012 SEC schedule was recently released, and the Bulldogs probably loved what they saw.

Originally, they were to face Alabama, but because Missouri is now in the SEC East, the Crimson Tide are out and the Tigers are in.

Overall, the schedule favors the Bulldogs, and they have a chance to have another 10-win season. But there are a few games that could give the Bulldogs trouble and could prevent them from going back to the SEC title game.

Here's a look at the five toughest opponents for the 2012 season.

No. 5: At Missiouri, Sept. 8

The Tigers have won eight or more games each season since 2006 and will be ready to face the Bulldogs in their first regular season and SEC game of the 2012 season.

This will be the first time the Bulldogs will face the Tigers at Faurot Field. The Bulldogs have faced the Tigers before, winning 14-0 in the 1960 Orange Bowl.

Georgia will be a big favorite to win the game, but emotions will be running high for the Tigers for many reasons.

No. 4: Tennessee Sept. 29

The Vols only won five games in 2011, but they do have a good amount of starters coming back for 2012.

The Bulldogs have won the last two of three meetings against the Vols and will once again be favored to win in Athens in late September.

But because this is the SEC, nothing is guaranteed, so this could be a trap game because a team that is No. 1 on this list is next for the Bulldogs.

No. 3: Vs. Florida Oct. 27

The Gators have not been the same since Tim Tebow left. But that doesn't mean they are at the bottom of the conference.

Despite having a sub-par 2011 season, the Gators could be a darkhorse to win the SEC East because the talent that they have coming back.

Plus, the Bulldogs always have trouble playing well in Jacksonville, so this is a game where the Bulldogs have to play their game and not worry about what has happened in the past. If they can do that, they should rack up another win.

No. 2: At Auburn Nov. 10

Auburn had a good season considering they did not have Cam Newton or Nick Fairley.

The Tigers are expected to be better next year, and they are looking to get revenge on the Bulldogs, who dismantled them at Sanford Stadium.

Normally, the road team does well in this series, so the Bulldogs should win this game with no problems.

That will not be the case, because Auburn is a team that is looking to prove they are still one of the top teams in the country, and getting a win over the Bulldogs will be huge.

No. 1: At South Carolina Oct. 6

The Gamecocks have given the Bulldogs fits the last two years, and it should be no different in 2012.

Both teams are the top teams in the SEC East, and both teams have a lot coming back next season.

This will be a very tough, physical game, and it's going to come down to whoever blinks first.

It's going to be weird to see this game played a month later than usual, but it's good because both teams will have ironed out the early season mistakes, and that will make it a great ball game.