Five Reasons Why Georgia Will Win The SEC East

For the past two years, the SEC East has belonged to the University of Florida, and not since 2005 has the University of Georgia stepped onto the field in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, but that all ends this year. 

The last time Georgia played in the SEC Championship game, they easily beat the LSU Tigers on their way to playing in the Sugar Bowl. Since then, Georgia has hit a dry spell. Now, during that span of four years, Georgia has had some good teams (2006), some really good teams (2007, 2008), and one really, awful team (2009). But all bad things must eventually come to an end.

With the departure of Tim Tebow, and the loss of numerous starters on defense to the NFL, Florida's reign of supremacy in the Eastern division looks to be gone, and when one team loses their grip on the top spot, someone else has to step in and take over.

This is where Georgia steps in.

There are many reasons why I believe that the University of Georgia Bulldogs will be the team to beat, and the team that will not be beaten, in the SEC East this season.

Listed below are the top five reasons (in no particular order) of why Georgia will be playing in Atlanta on December 4th.

1. Todd Grantham and the 3-4 defense

One of the reasons, and probably the BIGGEST reason why it has been so long since Georgia has been to the SEC Championship game is because they have had mediocre at best defenses the past four seasons. 

Willie Martinez could never put the right pieces together on defense and it finally cost him his job. When Mark Richt began the search for the new defensive coordinator, he delivered big-time in getting Todd Grantham.

Grantham, the former defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys, brings a new demeanor to the position. He is a loud, in-your-face coach who is not afraid to call his players out on the mistakes they make. Along with this, he brings the 3-4 defense.

After running a 4-3 defense for so long, Grantham's 3-4 will bring more blitz packages, therefore putting more pressure on opposing defenses, which will almost certainly (and hopefully) result in more turnovers. After being one of the worst in the conference at producing turnovers the past couple of seasons, the new defense is sure to fix that and put Georgia back on top again.

2. A.J. Green and friends

The talent on the offensive side of the ball is deeper than the Mariana Trench, and is led by the best wide receiver in the country, A.J. Green.

With an offensive line that is considered to be the best in the country, two dynamic running backs in Washuan Ealey and Caleb King, and the hybrid tight-end Orson Charles, the offense is a loaded weapon.

The only piece untested in this weapon is the quarterback, but Aaron Murray should perform just fine if he can keep his poise and not get rattled too much, make the necessary throws, and stay healthy. He is probably going to assume the same offensive role that Greg McElroy played for Alabama last season (which worked out great, if you did not know), but you should not sleep on this guy either, he is extremely talented and versatile. 

Georgia has the both the players and potential to put up big numbers this season on offense, if all pieces of the weapon can click.

3. Strength of Schedule

In the past few years, Georgia has had to navigate their way through a treacherous schedule, both in conference and out of conference, but this year it is the opposite. 

Georgia has an out of conference schedule this season that has every Georgia fan smiling. With games against  Louisiana-Lafayette, Idaho State, Colorado, and Georgia Tech, along with Mississippi State and Arkansas from the SEC West, Georgia has a relatively easy schedule. 

They will face some great teams as well with Florida and South Carolina, as well as the other SEC East foes, but the schedule is definitely in their favor.

4. Mark Richt NEEDS to win

Having not been to the SEC Championship since 2005, and not beating Florida but twice in the past 10 years, despite having the talent year in and out, Mark Richt is feeling the burn.

Now, Mark Richt is one of the best coaches in the game today, and also a great man. But there comes a time when you have to start winning the big ones along with being a good person. As much as I hate to say it, Richt needs to toughen up, get loud, be heard, and start instilling some discipline both on and off the field with his players.

It seems that every off-season Georgia has a few players who make mistakes and end up being arrested. Now, what Richt needs to do is tighten down on the problems that his players make and set a zero-tolerance level for off the field issues, unless they are very minor.

On the field, Georgia has had it's problems with penalties, even after the problem was addressed by Richt. This season should be a lot different. Richt has heard a lot of criticism in the past for this, and I truly believe that it has been resolved.

In the unlikely event that these continue to be problems, Mark Richt might need to start sending out his resume, because the seat that he sits on will start to warm up.

My own personal opinion is that these issues are all in the past, will stay in the past, and Richt will be just fine.

5. It's the year of the DAWGS

No, I'm not referring to the Chinese Zodiac, which if you are wondering, this is the year of the Tiger. I guess that means LSU has a billion supporters this season.

What I mean is that this is the year that almost everything is in Georgia's favor. The schedule, the talent of the players, the new scheme on defense. It all fits fits together like a puzzle. 

There is a certain buzz around the Dawgs this season. Many have them as their dark-horse pick to be the "Beast from the East". Including myself.

This team has the makings to very special, and along with that comes the fact that the quarterback play can only be better than last year, as well as the defense. Everywhere you look on this team is upgraded from years past. 

People will have a better idea of this on Saturday, September 4th, when Sanford Stadium is filled with Georgia fans, the players are shaking from the cheers of 92,000 and change, and the battle hymn of the Bulldog Nation is played on the loud speakers.

When toe-meets leather Saturday afternoon, Georgia will begin their fight to be on top of the East again, and come December 4th, Georgia fans will party like it's 2005.

Go Dawgs!