Georgia Football: 5 Best Quarterbacks the Bulldogs Will Face in 2015

When it comes to the quarterback battle at Georgia, it's a tossup as to who is going to win the position. In fact, head coach Mark Richt hinted after Wednesday's practice, via Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald, that there could be two quarterbacks taking reps in the season opener against Louisiana-Monroe.

That will make things interesting for the Bulldogs because it's rare to have two quarterbacks take an equal amount of reps in a game. However, what makes things more interesting are the opposing quarterbacks the Bulldogs will face this season. These quarterbacks are talented, experienced and want nothing more than to beat the Bulldogs. So while the UGA offense is looking to solidify the position, the defense has to prepare for some good quarterbacks who can hurt them if they are not careful.

So here's a look at the five best opposing quarterbacks the Bulldogs will face this season.

5. Kevin Ellison, Georgia Southern

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A team from the Sun Belt Conference having one of the best quarterbacks the Bulldogs will face? Absolutely, as Georgia Southern's Kevin Ellison came onto the scene last season to lead the Eagles to their first Sun Belt Conference title.

Ellison only threw for 1,001 yards and five touchdowns, but he was one of the more efficient runners in the Sun Belt with 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

Ellison was named to the Manning Award watch list, which is an award given to the best quarterback in the country. He is not going to beat you by airing it out, but he can kill you with his legs, which is something that has hurt the Bulldogs in the past.

4. Maty Mauk, Missouri

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Missouri is the two-time defending SEC East Champion, and Maty Mauk has played a part in that. Last year, Mauk threw for 2,648 yards and 25 touchdowns.

When Mauk is on, he's hard to beat. His best game last year was against Toledo when he threw for 325 yards and five touchdowns. However, when he's off, it can be bad. In fact, his worst game last year can against UGA when he was 9-of-21 with 97 yards and four interceptions.

Mauk will enter his second season as the full-time starter, so the hope is he will be more consistent. If that happens, the Bulldogs won't have four interceptions against him this year and will need to be prepared for a signal-caller who is ready to take off.

3. Jeremy Johnson, Auburn

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Jeremy Johnson has only made one start for Auburn because of Nick Marshall. Now that Marshall is gone, Johnson is the guy, and he could be the reason the Tigers make it back to the national championship scene.

Johnson played in seven games last season, and the start that he made was in the season opener against Arkansas, in which he went 12-of-16 for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He was the first Auburn quarterback in four years to throw for 200 yards in a half.

Marshall was a great fit in head coach Gus Malzahn's scheme because he could run with the best of them. But Johnson might be better because he not only can run, but is also a better passer than Marshall. It will be interesting to see if Johnson can take the next step and get Auburn back to the SEC championship.

2. Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech

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If there were one quarterback who gave the Bulldogs the most fits last year, it would have to be Justin Thomas, who was able to lead Georgia Tech to its first win over Georgia since 2008.

With Tech running the triple-option, Thomas had modest numbers in the passing game with 1,719 yards and 18 touchdowns. But because their offense is based on running the football, that's where Thomas made his hay with 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns, which led the team.

Thomas fits into exactly what head coach Paul Johnson wants to do on offense. Thomas can attack an opponent with his legs, but with 18 touchdown passes last season, he can beat a team with his arm, too.

Georgia can't wait to see Thomas and the Jackets again this season. But they know it will be another tough contest because Thomas has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC.

1. Josh Dobbs, Tennessee

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Georgia will have to travel to Tennessee on October 10, and the game could be the toughest road contest for the Bulldogs. The reason it will be very challenging is the Vols have new life with quarterback Josh Dobbs.

After making his way into the starting lineup midway through last season, Dobbs was able to lead the Vols to a 4-1 record. In the six games he played in, Dobbs threw for 1,206 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 469 yards and eight touchdowns.

This will be the first year Dobbs is the full-time starter, and this will be the first time he faces the Bulldogs. And based on his size (6'3", 207 lbs), speed, athleticism and accuracy, Dobbs will be the best quarterback the Bulldogs face this season.