Georgia Football 2012: Bulldogs Will Be Ranked in the Preseason Top 10

On Monday night, the Bulldogs got to watch Alabama take down LSU in the BCS National Championship game. The Crimson Tide won because the defense was too much for the Tigers to handle and they had no answer for them.

The Bulldogs were not as good as Alabama on defense, but they were a top-10 unit and they were led by linebacker Jarvis Jones who will return next season as well as Alec Ogletree and John Jenkins.

In fact, they should have nine starters on defense returning in 2012 which indicates that the Bulldogs should be better on defense this upcoming season.

For that reason along with Aaron Murray returning at quarterback, the Bulldogs will be ranked in the top 10 when the preseason polls are released in late August. This past season, the Bulldogs finished No. 19 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the coaches poll with a 10-4 record. Had they won the game against Michigan State, they could have cracked in the top 10 which would be a major step forward for the Bulldogs, especially with what has happened the last two seasons.

One thing the Bulldogs had going for them was the fact they are a young team but showcased a lot of talent at the same time. From Isaiah Crowell to Malcolm Mitchell, the young Bulldogs made some noise in 2011 and look to do the same in 2012.

Speaking of young Bulldogs, Keith Marshall started classes at UGA this week and will sign his letter of intent next month. Marshall and Jordan Jenkins help make up one of the best recruiting classes in the nation and it looks as if the Bulldogs are building another dream team.

Before the offseason workouts begin, the Bulldogs must find out who will leave to go to the NFL. Orson Charles is expected to leave but hasn’t made a decision yet. Cornelius Washington is also mulling over the decision, as is Bacarri Rambo.

It would be beneficial to have these players back in the fold, but the Bulldogs will be fine without them because the reserves have the ability to come in and contribute right away.

Watching the BCS title game that featured Alabama and LSU had to be tough for UGA to handle, because once again another SEC team has won the national title.

Fans have to wonder when or if Georgia will get the chance to play in the BCS National Championship. With a top-10 preseason ranking in the works, another favorable schedule and a good amount of starters returning on offense and defense for the 2012 season, they are not as far off as one would think.