Georgia Football: Why the 2012 Bulldogs Are a Better Version of 2011 Arkansas

In the BCS Standings for Week 13, the SEC West sported the top three teams in the nation: LSU, Alabama and Arkansas.

The Razorbacks have undoubtedly become a force in the SEC and the nation under coach Bobby Petrino. Arkansas finished 11-2 and defeated Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl. The Razorbacks beat the teams they were supposed to but they were unable to defeat the SEC West heavyweights Alabama and LSU, which kept them from being a title contender.

Arkansas is bringing back 13 starters, but they will be losing some of their best players, such as Joe Adams, Jake Bequette, Greg Childs and Tramain Thomas. With losses of that magnitude, don't expect the Razorbacks to be in the title picture. The defense was the Achilles' heel for the Hogs, although the defense looked much better with new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes at the helm for the Cotton Bowl.   

Georgia isn't losing that kind of star power (as of right now), except for Brandon Boykin, and the defense will be in its third year under Todd Grantham. The recent signing of defensive end Jordan Jenkins only bolsters a much-improved defense. As long as the play-calling is aggressive, then expect quarterback Aaron Murray continue to grow and rewrite the Georgia history books.  

With the easiest schedule in the SEC, the Bulldogs should be back in Atlanta for the SEC Championship, and defeating LSU or Alabama can actually be a reality. Unlike Arkansas from this past season, the Bulldogs some semblance of a defense.

Here's a quick comparison of key positions between the two teams:

Tyler Wilson vs. Aaron Murray—Draw

UGA WR vs. Arkansas WR—UGA

UGA RB vs. Arkansas RB—UGA

UGA Defense vs. Arkansas Defense—UGA

Bobby Petrino is a great offensive mind but with the loss of players like Adams and Childs, it will be hard to put up similar numbers next season.

The defense was never considered great, so imagine what will be left of it without its best players.

At the end of November, I could easily see the Georgia Bulldogs where Arkansas was toward the end of this season—ranked high in the BCS standings.

The only difference is the 2012 Dawgs will be better.