Georgia Football: How Bulldogs Will Survive Early Without Suspended Players

There is no question that Georgia is one of the most talented teams in the country based on the players they have coming back this year and the success they had last year. But there is also no question that the Bulldogs could possibly be one of the most frustrating teams in the country because of players being constantly suspended.

Branden Smith, Baccarri Rambo, Sanders Commings and Alec Ogletree will each miss one to four games at the start of the season, which is not a good thing, because this is a team that is a favorite to win the SEC East.

Believe it or not, though, the rest of the team can survive the suspensions. Here's how.

The Schedule

One of the good things going for the Bulldogs this upcoming season is that they have a schedule that's not very difficult—especially the first half of the season.

The first four games for the Bulldogs goes like this: They host Buffalo in the first game, travel to Missouri the following week and then are back at home the next two weeks to face Florida Atlantic and Vanderbilt.

The Bulldogs should have Branden Smith back for the Missouri game and Sanders Commings back for the Florida Atlantic game. And the Bulldogs should be at full strength after the Vanderbilt game if everything goes according to plan.

Missouri and Vanderbilt will not be cakewalks, but the Bulldogs are far more talented then both teams, and all they have to do is play their brand of football to come away with wins.

Aaron Murray

Because the defense will be adjusting to new players the first part of the season, the offense has to step their game up. That means that Aaron Murray will have to have his best season in order for the Bulldogs to get off to a fast start without the suspended players.

Murray is considered by many as one of the better quarterbacks in the country. With the combination of a solid running game and a offensive line that has the potential to be much improved from last year, Murray should light up opposing defenses.

Jarvis Jones

Based on what Jarvis Jones did last year, he is the best pass-rusher in the SEC. That is important because the majority of the suspended players play in the secondary. In order to help new players in the secondary make few mistakes, the front seven has to generate pressure, and Jones makes it look easy.

Jones was virtually unblockbale last year. With another year to learn how to be a linebacker in the 3-4 scheme, he should put up similar, if not better, numbers in 2012.

John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers

In order for Jones to pressure SEC quarterbacks, the defensive line has to eat up blocks to free Jones up.

That is where John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers come in.

The two 350-pound nose tackles played well last year, and both players looked better during spring practices. They are looking more comfortable in the 3-4, which is not a good thing for the rest of the SEC.

Both players may play the same position, but don't be surprised if defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has the two on the field at the same time in order to make the defense as strong as possible, especially with the issues in the secondary.

The Reserve Players and Malcolm Mitchell

Malcolm Mitchell was moved from wide receiver to cornerback in the spring to add more depth. Because of his natural talent and the fact that he was recruited as a defensive back, he will start against Buffalo.

But the young players will have to step up as well. Damian Swann should see a lot of action at cornerback, and Corey Moore should see a lot of time at free safety since Rambo will be gone at least the first quarter of the season.

Swann and Moore saw limited action last year, so it's time for them to take that next step. They will go through some growing pains, but if they get help from the rest of their teammates, they will get very comfortable very quickly.