Georgia Football: 5 Keys to Contending for SEC Title in 2011

The 2011 outlook on the SEC is that the Western division is considerably stronger than the Eastern division. This lines up nicely for Georgia as they are part of the Eastern division.

With South Carolina as the slim favorite in that division, Georgia should have a great shot to win the division. Then, who knows what can happen in a one-game scenario against the Western champion in December.

5. Finding Another Receiving Threat

With top target A.J. Green leaving UGA for the NFL draft the Bulldogs are in need of a receiver to step up and help alleviate some pressure from Aaron Murray. Currently the Dawgs have two great options catching balls from Murray.

These are Tavarres King, who is moving to Greene’s old position at flanker, and tight Orson Charles, who is poised to have a monstrous year. Outside of these two players are former big-time prospect Marlon Brown who is apparently having a great offseason, redshirt freshman Michael Bennett who ever since getting on campus has received rave reviews for his work ethic, and true freshman Malcolm Mitchell who was the talk of the town during the SEC media day a couple of weeks ago.

Georgia will need at least one of these three to step up and become a viable option for Murray.

4. Murray Continues To Be Murray

Last season Aaron Murray set multiple SEC conference freshman passing records. He finished the season with over 3,000 yards passing, 24 passing touchdowns, and four more rushing touchdowns. Aaron has allegedly taken over summer camp as the true leader for the Dawgs.

If Georgia is going to contend for the title they are going to need Aaron to, simply, continue being Aaron. He is poised to have an incredible year and with the work that he has put in this offseason, do not be shocked if he does.

3. A Young Defense Matures

The transition to the 3-4 from the 4-3 was not an easy one for Georgia last year. The change in terminology, among other things, caused the defense to be a step slower than it should be.

Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham hopes that his defense is more comfortable now that this is their second year under him. Georgia has a tough early schedule this year so we will find out real soon how much their defense has matured.

2. Isaiah Crowell Lives Up to the Hype

According to ESPN.com, Isaiah Crowell was the No. 1-rated running back coming out of high school, deeming him a five-star recruit. There is no doubt that Crowell was the big fish that Richt had to have landed in order for Georgia to compete for an SEC title.

Caleb King is academically ineligible for the season and Washaun Ealey transferred at the end of last season, so the Dawgs are in need to someone to step up and fill the large void left by these two players. Isaiah is the man for the job, and once paired with with bruiser Richard Samuel, Georgia should have a solid one-two punch at tailback.

1. The Health of the Offenseive Line

The depth of the Georgia offensive line has been hit fairly hard this off-season. First, Trinton Sturdivant suffered another ACL tear which sidelined him for this season and could potentially prevent him from playing football ever again as this is his third ACL injury since being a Dawg. Second, A.J. Harmon decided to quit the team for personal reasons. Third, sophomore Brent Brenedict decided to transfer from the Bulldogs and take his talents to Blacksburg, VA, joining Virginia Tech.

All three of these players were expected to contribute one way or another. Georgia cannot afford another offensive lineman to go down for any reason or else true freshman may be thrown into the fire earlier than anticipated.