Georgia Bulldogs' Midseason Progress Report

So let's backtrack a little bit. At the beginning of the year, I was very hopeful that Georgia was going to rather fluidly replace Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno with ease and drastically improve defensively.

I saw this team as a clone of the 2005 team, also led by a fifth-year senior quarterback, that went 11-2 with a tailback by committee approach and a quarterback following in the footsteps of a Georgia great.

Not quite the result so far we were looking for this season. The Dawgs are at 4-3, which from a personal perspective is the worst midseason record Georgia has in at least a decade.

The low point so far has to have been the 45-16 trouncing from Tennessee, and Lane Kiffin.

The other two losses were respectable, one (LSU) was in fact very respectable. However, Georgia just isn't in sync.

They are not that SEC East powerhouse that makes every opponent tremble. They are playing that dirty Bulldawg defense we all associate with Georgia football. And, that potent offense has turned into the most schizophrenic in the country.

Georgia has one convincing win, at this point, against still winless Vanderbilt.

Their other wins came with a combined margin of 18 total points. However, we can shed some light on those victories. South Carolina and Arkansas have proven to be very competitive and dangerous football teams.

And, forgivingly, I might just blame the weather for the 20-17 win against Arizona State. Georgia dominated the entire game, and nearly gift wrapped a comeback for the Sun Devils.

Their quarterback has sometimes looked like an All-SEC candidate, and other times looked like Joe Tereshinksi The Fourth.

The running game has failed to churn behind that heralded offensive line. This team is looking pretty rough, so what Georgia team can we compare it to now?

Well, In 2007, Georgia got off to a rough start, losing at home to South Carolina with an anemic offense, And by getting pummeled 35-14 in Knoxville. Hmm, familiar territory for Richt and crew.

Going into the bye week, Georgia's upcoming contest against Florida is their chance to prove they are capable. For the first time in the Richt era, people are losing their confidence in the coaching staff in players.

With the type of recruiting and success this club has had, it is almost tragic to think such a thing.

However, in the Richt era, teams that have started slow have always finished strong. The 2006 and 2007 seasons are perfect examples. People just need to remember, that the same team that lost 35-14 in Knoxville two years ago finished the season ranked No. 2.

Now I'm not saying Georgia is going to finish No. 2, but they could easily finish strong and win back the support they really do not deserve to lose.

I am guilty. I was so heated after the Tennessee loss, but after things have died down, I once again feel this team has tons of potential.

Five Standout Performers

A.J. Green - Green has quickly blossomed into who many believe is the best wide receiver in the entire country. He has the ability to completely dominate games, and despite the loss, made one of the greatest catches in Sanford Stadium history.

Rennie Curran - Curran is a tackling machine and an eraser. He does not make the huge plays, but he does what he is asked to do—every time. It's a shame because he gets little national attention.

Brandon Boykin - Boykin not only is proving to be an electric special teamer, with two 100-yard kickoff return touchdowns, but he also has two interceptions. Only one other starting defensive back has a pick. Boykin is bigger and more physical than Asher Allen was and he has a chance to be a great corner in this league.

Orson Charles - The frosh tight end seems to have made every one of his catches on a post pattern this season. I'm sure he doesn't mind. Charles has added another dynamic to Georgia's passing game which it has not had; a go-to tight end since Leonard Pope. Good stuff coming from a freshman.

Justin Houston - Houston came onto the scene during the spring game with four "sacks." Well, since his return from a two-game suspension to start off the year, Houston has overwhelmingly helped the Georgia pass rush. He has totaled four sacks in five games, and seems to be the answer to Georgia's rush end problems. If only the Dawgs could have two Justin Houstons...

Other notables: Michael Moore, Geno Atkins, Prince Miller (returning), Drew Butler, Blair Walsh, and the offensive line (pass protection).

Five  Disappointments

Joe Cox - This is actually a tough assessment for me. Cox has done plenty of great things. He made two huge throws in that late drive against LSU and had remarkable games against Arkansas and South Carolina. But, Cox has issues with ball security. The throw-away interception against Tennessee was something I have not even seen before.

Richard Samuel - He just does not get to the hole, and his legs come out from under him way too easily. People talked of him being a big, bruising, violent runner. However, this year he has reminded me of an agility-less Jerious Norwood (even though I love Jerious Norwood, that is not a compliment).

Caleb King - King is another guy who just has not produced. He seems like he tries to string out runs and fails. It's like he does not know how to quite make a running play work. He has great agility and toughness, but he in no way looks like that top recruit we all thought he was going to be.

Bryan Evans - I thought Evans switch to safety would take advantage of his great downhill tackling and pursuit abilities. Instead, teams play action and throw right at him, and my most memorable play of him so far was a missed downhill tackle. Come on senior, I'm rooting for you!

Reshad Jones - Jones has not necessarily been a bad player. He is a sure tackler, when he actually tries to tackle, and finally snagged his first interception of the year against Vanderbilt. But, I expected more from him this year. He seems to be lacking that play-making ability I thought he truly had. I'm also concerned with his cover skills. I still cannot figure out if our safety problems are an issue with discipline or scheming. Nevertheless, Jones and Evans usually seem to be way out of position ... wayyy out. Mind you, Reshad Jones is the most talented player on that defense. He has been good, but he has not been an influential part of the defense. Basically what I am saying is, he has major potential to be a game changer.

Other notables : Tavares King (just not enough reps), Aron White, Prince Miller (in coverage), and the offensive line (running game).

Five Youngsters to be Excited About

Branden Smith - Not a whole lot of production, but he had a 61-yard reverse for a touchdown against South Carolina in which I have NEVER seen a human being run so fast in my entire life ... with pads on (sorry Usain Bolt, didnt want to trump you there).

Brandon Boykin - Again, as mentioned, he is young, big, fit, and confident.

Tavares King - Quicker, faster, and more agile option opposite of A.J. Green.

Rantavius Wooten - People seemed to have focused on Marlon Brown over the offseason recruiting evaluations, but Wooten has already made some impact plays at wide receiver.

Quntin Banks - Young safety who has drawn "oohs" and "ahs" from Georgia practices for two years now, but has barely played because of injuries. He might get more playing time this year, now that he is healthy, and should be a solid starter next year.

Other notables: Washaun Ealy (would have him top five, but there seems to be too many tailbacks that are too close together on the age scale), Logan Gray, Aaron Murray, Marlon Brown and Bacarri Rambo.

Remainder of the Year Predictions

Florida - I Really want to believe in another 42-30 upset here. Florida has looked a bit vulnerable lately. My heart says win, my gut says loss. (4-4)

Tennessee Tech - Finally, a cupcake team. This is a no-brainer. (5-4)

Auburn - Home game. I feel like Georgia will take this one. (6-4)

Kentucky - Will be a tougher game than people think, but once again the home-field advantage helps. Georgia wins. (7-4)

Georgia Tech - Bobby Dodd Stadium is Georgia's second home stadium for all I care. Tech's defense that usually gives me fits has lost its edge in the past few seasons. Now, their offense gives me fits, and wet underwear ... Georgia lets the option run away with it again. (7-5)

Chik-Fil-A Bowl or Music City Bowl -  Whoever the opponent is, Georgia will win their bowl game. I guarantee you. If it's the Music City Bowl though, I'm going to be a little flustered.