Georgia Football 2011: 5 Reasons the Bulldogs Will Win the SEC East

The past three seasons for Georgia football have been less than spectacular.  The Bulldogs have gone from preseason No. 1 to a 6-7 record in those three seasons.

This season will be different for the Dawgs.

They are going into the 2011 campaign with a vigor unseen in several years in Athens.

Mark Richt knows he is on the hot seat, and he is trimming the fat.  Washaun Ealey has already been made an example of this offseason for a lackadaisical work ethic, and every player on the depth chart has an opportunity to prove himself this spring.

The 2011 Bulldogs will be unlike the Georgia teams that have competed the past three seasons.

Here are five reasons why the Dawgs will win the SEC East in 2011.

5. The Dream Team

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Georgia Bulldogs mascot UGA VIII watches the action during the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Georgia’s 2011 recruiting class was ranked in the top five on numerous recruiting sites, and these freshmen will have a chance to make an immediate impact.

Coach Richt has already stated that freshman running back Isaiah Crowell will have a large role in the offense in 2011, and with Washaun Ealey and Caleb King’s troubles, Crowell has a legitimate shot at being named the starter.

On the other side of the ball, newcomers Ray Drew and John Jenkins will be factors in Georgia’s 3-4 defense.

The Bulldogs will have a good balance of youth and experience that will help them regain their swagger.

4. South Carolina at Home

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: The Georgia Bulldogs celebrate their 42-34 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The 2011 contest against South Carolina will take place in Athens.  The advantage of playing the Ol’ Ball Coach and the Gamecocks between the hedges will be substantial.

The Georgia defense will be much improved and be able to contain Marcus Lattimore and the South Carolina offense, and the Georgia fans will have Sanford Stadium rocking.

The Dawgs will come out with a victory and have an early lead in the East.

3. Todd Grantham’s 2nd Season

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IRVING, TX - 2009: Todd Grantham of the Dallas Cowboys poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Irving, Texas. (Photo by NFL Photos)

Georgia’s defense has been abysmal the past three seasons, including Grantham’s first season in 2010.

The Georgia defense should be improved in year two of the 3-4 defense.  The players have had a full season and two springs to adjust to the new scheme, and their practice should be noticeable on the field.

Look for UGA to be much improved on defense and be able to take pressure off the offense.

2. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Washaun Ealey #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs breaks the tackle of Jelani Jenkins #43 of the Florida Gators during the game at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Florida has had Georgia’s number the past two decades, but not this year.

The Gators will be adjusting to life under new head coach Will Muschamp, and quarterback Jeff Brantley will continue to play inconsistently.

The 2010 game was an epic battle that saw the Gators barely squeak out a win, but in 2011, the Dawgs will get their revenge.

Mark Richt and the Dawgs will welcome Will Muschamp to the rivalry in style, taking the Gators in Jacksonville.

1. Aaron Murray

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Murray had a sensational freshman campaign, putting up better numbers than both David Greene and Matt Stafford did in their freshman years.

Despite the loss of A.J. Green, Murray will be able to connect with Tavarres King and Orson Charles through the air to give the Dawgs a balanced attack.

Murray will be improved in 2011 and will emerge as an SEC Player of the Year candidate, leading the Bulldogs offense to another big season and an SEC East crown.