Georgia Football 2012: What Could Hold the Bulldogs Back from Winning the SEC?

Under head coach Mark Richt, the Bulldogs have won two SEC titles and have been to a total of four SEC Championship Games. So they know what needs to be done to win a conference title.

Last year, the Bulldogs were able to reach the SEC Championship because they got consistent play from their defense and quarterback Aaron Murray was able to make timely plays.

This year, the Bulldogs should be the favorite to win the SEC East because they have everyone coming back and, just like last season, have a solid group of freshman such as Keith Marshall, John Theus and Todd Gurley that can come in and contribute right away.

However, there may be a few things that could prevent the Bulldogs from winning the SEC title. The first is depth at the defensive back position. The Bulldogs have all but one starter returning this season, but they only have nine scholarship defensive backs on the roster. And with Sanders Commings' status unknown for the start of the season due to off-field issues, the Bulldogs could have only eight scholarship defensive backs for the first two games.

Another reason is the uncertainty of the offensive line. It’s no secret the Bulldogs are looking for three new offensive linemen since Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson will not be back. Theus has a chance to grab one of the starting tackle spots, but as for the other tackle and center position, the competition will make spring practice and fall camp very interesting.

The running back position could be another issue for the Bulldogs this season. That is not to say that the talent is not there, but they have to find a good combination of backs for consistency in the running game. Whether it’s Marshall and Gurley, or Marshall and Isaiah Crowell, or a combination of the three, the Bulldogs need a consistent ground game to win the SEC.

Special teams was a huge weakness for the Bulldogs last year and it was one of the reasons they lost to Michigan State in the Outback Bowl. They will have a new kicker and punter this season and those positions will likely go to Marshall Morgan and Colin Barber. But what the Bulldogs need is a special teams coach, as having a coach exclusively dedicated to the unit will eliminate most of the Bulldogs' problems such as coverage issues and missed field goals.

Even if the Bulldogs do fix the issues with the defensive backs, offensive line, running backs and special teams, they do have to get past their schedule. It’s not a hard schedule (relatively speaking), but they do have dates with South Carolina, Florida and Auburn, which is never easy. Also, the Missouri game will be very interesting because it will be the Tigers' first conference matchup as members of the SEC, and emotions will be running high at Faurot Field.

Spring football is less than a month away and the 2012 season will be here before we know it. UGA will have a lot of work to improve on last season, but if they can come together during spring and fall camp, nothing should hold them back from being the 2012 SEC champions.