College Football 2011: Georgia Football Schedule Analyses and Predictions
After a disappointing 2010 season, the Georgia Bulldogs look to regain national prominence in 2011.
Head coach Mark Richt proved once again to be an excellent recruiter, as the Bulldogs brought in 2011's No. 5 ranked recruiting class (according to Rivals.com and Scout.com). Since Richt was hired in 2001, Georgia has made a bowl appearance in each of his 10 seasons, including three BCS bowl games.
As for 2011?
Well, Georgia loses 15 players to the NFL Draft, including top prospects in WR A.J. Green, OLB Justin Houston and OG Clint Boling.
However, the Bulldogs look to reload (as opposed to rebuild) with five-star recruits Isaiah Crowell (RB) and Ray Drew (DE), as well as 12 other four-star recruits.
So with all this being said, here's what you can expect from the Georgia Bulldogs in 2011.
Week 1: Boise State Broncos
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SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 1-0.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 48-13 in 2005.
2010 RECORD: The Broncos finished 12-1, including a 26-3 win over Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl, and finished ranked No. 7.
WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
PREVIEW: On paper, this looks to be a blowout.
But, don't tell that to Boise State, who has qualified for bowl season nine consecutive times, including two BCS bowl victories.
Also, with as much emphasis that is put on recruiting, Boise State has been the out-lier. They have been mediocre in recruiting class ranks, but have gotten the job done where it truly matters—on the field.
However, when these two schools meet up on the field, the scoreboard may burn out.
Both teams have excellent QBs in Boise State's Kellen Moore and Georgia's Aaron Murray, who can shred a defense, but also have solid run-games.
Defensively, Boise State has the edge, but the Bulldogs bring in top defensive recruits, such as DE Ray Drew, DE Sterling Bailey, CB Devin Bowman, S Corey Moore and OLB Kent Turene to pick things up.
Come game day expect Boise State to air it out on offense and blitz the young Murray to force Georgia to become one-dimensional on the run. As for the Bulldogs, look for them to be a bit more lenient to the run-game with the loss of WR A.J. Green.
On defense, look for sophomore safety Bacarri Rambo to lead the way in stopping the Boise passing attack, while mixing up coverages and forcing Moore out of the pocket. If they can limit his opportunities downfield and force him to look at his second and third options, Georgia could dominate early on.
However, in the end, it will come down to how the QBs perform. With Moore having more experience, in addition to being a Heisman Trophy finalist, Boise State gets another big W on the road.
PREDICTION: Boise State 34, Georgia 24
RECORD: 0-1
Week 2: South Carolina Gamecocks
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SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 46-15-2.
LAST MEETING: South Carolina won 17-6 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Gamecocks finished 9-5 (5-4) with a 26-17 loss to Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and ranked No. 22.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: Both schools bring in excellent recruiting classes and have increased expectations in 2011.
For South Carolina, head coach Steve Spurrier once again got the nation's top recruit in DE Jadeveon Clowney.
When the Gamecocks have possession, look for a heavy dose of RB Marcus Lattimore who ran for nearly 1,200 yards with 17 TDs in 2010. WR Alshon Jeffrey (88 catches for 1,517 yards and nine TDs) also acts as QB Stephen Garcia's favorite target.
For the Bulldogs to slow down this dynamic offense, doubling Jeffrey in man coverage or with a zone-safety as help over the top would suffice.
Lattimore however, is key; defensive-line stunts, combined with a mixture of blitzes should limit his opportunities.
As for the Georgia offense, throwing the rock should be the first option, as Murray can easily spread the ball around. But they still need to have some success on the ground, because putting the game solely on Murray's back will not be enough.
In the end, South Carolina comes out on top with having more experienced weapons.
PREDICTION: South Carolina 28, Georgia 21
RECORD: 0-2 (0-1)
Week 3: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
3 of 12
SERIES RECORD: N/A
2010 RECORD: The Chanticleers finished 6-6.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: Coastal Carolina just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time for their first meeting with Georgia.
They lose three key offensive seniors in QB Zach MacDowall, RB Eric O'Neal and WR Brandon Whitley.
Last season the Chanticleers lost 31-0 to West Virginia of the Big East. Now they get to play in an SEC environment. Scary.
Georgia dominates easily on both sides of the ball and gets some much needed momentum heading into Ole Miss next week.
PREDICTION:Georgia 42, Coastal Carolina 14
RECORD: 1-2 (0-1)
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Week 4: Ole Miss Rebels
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SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 30-12-1.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 45-17 in 2007.
2010 RECORD: Ole Miss finished 4-8 (1-7) and last in the SEC.
WHERE: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford
PREVIEW: Despite a subpar season in 2010, the Rebels bring in a top 25 recruiting class and return RB Brandon Bolden, as well as LB D.T. Shackelford.
Ole Miss is rather young at QB and WR though, so look for the Rebels to put more emphasis on the running game. Don't be surprised if the Bulldogs have at least seven players in the box and play man-to-man in pass coverage.
If they have success in stopping the run, thereby forcing an inexperienced QB in Nathan Stanley to throw the the rock, Georgia can easily win.
Last season the Rebels' defense allowed more than 35 points per game, including 49 to FCS Jacksonville State at home.
The Georgia offense should have a field day, and the defense makes the Rebels' offense become one-dimensional.
PREDICTION: Georgia 38, Ole Miss 17
RECORD: 2-2 (1-1)
Week 5: Mississippi State Bulldogs
5 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 16-6.
LAST MEETING: Mississippi State won 24-12 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: Mississippi State finished 9-4 (4-4), including a 52-14 win over Michigan in the Gator Bowl, and finished ranked No. 17.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: The strength of Mississippi State's offense lies with dual-threat QB Chris Relf, who totaled more than 2,500 yards with 18 TDs. RB Vick Ballard also ran for nearly 1,000 yards with 19 TDs.
Richt's defense needs to zero-in on Relf, and isolate him with an ILB (or even a DB) spy, as well as a mixture of outside blitzes to add more pressure.
The more they slow down Relf, the less effect Ballard will have as a result.
On offense, Georgia must focus more on the ground game since Mississippi State has three DBs (Johnathan Banks, Corey Broomfield and Charles Mitchell) who play very well together in coverage.
Victory however, will go to the Bulldogs.
Wait which Bulldogs?
Georgia. They have a better recruiting class coming in, as well as more weapons on offense.
PREDICTION: Georgia 27, Mississippi State 20
RECORD: 3-2 (2-1)
Week 6: Tennessee Volunteers
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SERIES RECORD: Tennessee leads 21-17-2.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 41-14 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Vols started out 2-6, but then won their final four games, only to lose the Music City Bowl 30-27 in OT against North Carolina to finish 6-7.
WHERE: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville
PREVIEW: A solid top 15 recruiting class comes in as the Vols try to rebuild from a sub-.500 season.
On the ground, RB Tauren Poole (more than 1,100 yards rushing with 11 TDs) will receive the load of carries, and QB Tyler Brey came on strong last season (1,849 passing yards with 18 TDs) after sitting the bench early on.
If the Bulldogs' defense can force pressure without blitzing, then the linebackers can key on Poole to eliminate the run-game.
For the Georgia offense, throwing the ball could be difficult because of DBs Janzen Jackson and Prentiss Waggner (both had five picks and a combined 20 pass deflects). The ground game should have success, but being one-dimensional could be dangerous against the Vols.
After the final whistle, Tennessee squeaks it out with the home-field advantage.
PREDICTION: Tennessee 24, Georgia 21
RECORD: 3-3 (2-2)
Week 7: Vanderbilt Commodores
7 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 51-18-2.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 43-0 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Commodores finished 2-10 (1-7) and ended the season on a seven-game losing streak.
WHERE: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville
PREVIEW: The biggest concern for the Bulldogs in this one will be CB Casey Hayward. Hayward picked off six passes in 2010, the second most in the SEC.
Other than that, the Commodores are rather weak in comparison to Georgia.
However, even though the following week is a bye-week, the Bulldogs travel to the Jacksonville to take on Florida thereafter. Thus, the Commodores could be that sneaky/pesky trap game that no one likes.
But Georgia proves to be the better all-around team and gets the win on the road.
PREDICTION: Georgia 34, Vanderbilt 17
RECORD: 4-3 (3-2)
Week 8: Florida Gators
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SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 47-40-2.
LAST MEETING: Florida won 34-31 in OT in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Gators finished 8-5 (4-4), including a 37-24 victory over Penn State in the Outback Bowl.
WHERE: EverBank Field, Jacksonville
PREVIEW: Much like last season's OT thriller, 2011 should be just as exciting.
Both schools bring in excellent recruiting classes, and both QBs are quickly on the rise.
Florida has the slight advantage in the run-game with veteran Jeffrey Demps, while the Bulldogs are better suited to an aerial assault.
Defensively, both have improved through recruiting, but the offenses take the spotlight.
For Georgia to pull of the W, the first step is to isolate Demps' explosiveness. To do so, the dawgs could have the CBs in a bump-and-run situation for more help on the edges and blitz up the middle, while the DEs loop outside. They need to create as much confusion as possible in pass coverage to frustrate QB John Brantley.
On offense, a 65-35 pass/run ratio should keep the Florida D on their heels. If Georgia wins the coin toss, go deep on play one.
In the end though, Demps proves to be the difference maker, as the Gators slip past the Bulldogs in Jacksonville.
PREDICTION: Florida 29, Georgia 26 (OT)
RECORD: 4-4 (3-3)
Week 9: New Mexico State Aggies
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SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 3-0.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 41-10 in 2002.
2010 RECORD: The Aggies finished 2-10 and head into 2011 on a four-game losing streak.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: New Mexico State has seen good things from Junior QB Matt Christian (eight TD passes and only two picks), but that's as good as it gets.
The Aggies allowed almost 40 points per game, while only managing 15 themselves.
With that being said, the Bulldogs should annihilate New Mexico State in all three phases of the game.
PREDICTION: Georgia 45, New Mexico State 17
RECORD: 5-4 (3-3)
Week 10: Auburn Tigers
10 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Auburn leads 54-52-8.
LAST MEETING: Auburn won 49-31 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Auburn Tigers won the National Championship 22-19 over the Oregon Ducks and finished ranked No. 1.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: Heading into 2011, the Auburn Tigers have a lot of replacing to do after losing 21 seniors and two juniors to the NFL Draft.
Offensively, RBs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb return, after combining for 1,900 rush yards and 14 TDs in 2010.
Elsewhere though, the Tigers virtually start fresh. Therefore, Georgia's defensive game plan could focus on shutting down Dyer.
For the Tigers' defense, they bring in eight four-star recruits, so expect them to be a factor in a few years.
As long as the dawgs can control the tempo and limit Dyer's opportunities, then the W is without question.
PREDICTION: Georgia 31, Auburn 21
RECORD: 6-4 (4-3)
Week 11: Kentucky Wildcats
11 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 50-12-2.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 44-31 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Wildcats finished 6-7, including a 27-10 loss to Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
WHERE: Sanford Stadium, Athens
PREVIEW: The Wildcats have a lot of holes to fill on offense.
They say good-bye to QB Mike Hartline, who threw for more than 3,000 yards with 23 TDs and only nine picks. RB Derrick Locke ran for more than 800 yards with 10 TDs, and WR Randall Cobb caught 84 balls for more than 1,000 yards, including seven TDs.
Georgia's D should be able to dominate without having to get complex.
The Kentucky D however, return LB Danny Trevathan and safety Winston Guy. They manged to combine for 250 tackles, five pass break-ups and eight pass deflects.
The Georgia offense should look to double-team Trevathan, while forcing WRs to "run off" Guy to get him out of plays. Play-action passes will be key because they can suck-up the defense and leave the big play open.
After the final whistle, the dawgs come on top by use of the play-action pass and causing turnovers on defense.
PREDICTION: Georgia 38, Kentucky 20
RECORD: 7-4 (5-3)
Week 12: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
12 of 12
SERIES RECORD: Georgia leads 61-37-5.
LAST MEETING: Georgia won 42-34 in 2010.
2010 RECORD: The Yellow Jackets finished 6-7, including a 14-7 loss to Air Force in the Independence Bowl.
WHERE: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta
PREVIEW: Despite having the No.1 ranked rushing offense and averaging more than 300 yards on the ground per game, the Yellow Jackets had a mediocre 2010 season.
Part of the reason is because not only are they one-dimensional on offense, but the defense allowed more than 25 points per game.
The Bulldogs need to play disciplined defense and focus on slowing down the Tech rushing attack. Forcing them to throw the ball, thus getting them out of their own game, would most certainly give Georgia the advantage.
On offense, air it out all day.
Tech's ground game, although impressive, is not as explosive as Georgia's, and they will not be able to keep up if the dawgs keep piling it on.
PREDICTION: Georgia 34, Georgia Tech 21
RECORD: 8-4 (5-3)
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
