Georgia Football: Power Ranking the Opponents Most Likely to Upset the Bulldogs

One of the reasons Georgia is a favorite to win the SEC East is its schedule. The Bulldogs do not have to face Alabama, LSU or Arkansas because those three teams are in the SEC West.

However, there are seven teams that could (and probably will) give the Bulldogs trouble as they try to reach the SEC title game for the first time since 2005. The first two opponents, Boise State and South Carolina, are going to be tough. But then there's Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida and Georgia Tech.

But which that team Georgia will face this season is the best? Which team will give the Bulldogs the most problems? Here's a power ranking list of the teams that will most likely upset the Bulldogs.

No. 7: Georgia Tech

It's rare to see both Georgia and Georgia Tech end its season with the same record, but that was the case last year as both teams were 6-7, including disappointing bowl losses.

Tech hopes that quarterback Tevin Washington can learn from the mistakes he made last year and really take charge of the offense. The Jackets still have running backs Roddy Jones and Orwin Smith, so they will have a dangerous running game that will give the Bulldogs fits just like last year.

Are the Bulldogs better than the Jackets? On paper, the Bulldogs are more talented, but the way this rivalry game has gone the last few years, there's no telling what is going to happen.

No. 6: Tennessee

Here's another team that only won six games last year. Based on what it has returning, Tennessee will not be much improved.

However, quarterback Tyler Bray came on strong towards the end of the season—which is a good thing considering the Vols have had quarterback issues for the last few years. Tennessee is one of those teams that doesn't look that great on paper, but when it gets on the field, it has the ability to upset a few teams.

With Georgia traveling to Tennessee this year, expect another tight contest that will come down to two or three plays.

No. 5: Auburn

One would think the defending national champions would be on the top of this list. But when you lose one of the best defensive players in Nick Fairley and Heisman winner Cam Newton, the expectations are not going to be that high.

Auburn does have Michael Dyer and Ontario McCalebb returning, which will give the Tigers a powerful running game. Furthermore, Philip Lutzenkirchen is a hybrid player who can do numerous things on offense. Auburn may not win the SEC, but if the new quarterback can make an impact and the defense can mature quickly, the Tigers can win eight, possibly nine, games this season.

No. 4: Florida

Florida had a down year in 2010 with an 8-5 record. But with a new head coach in Will Muschamp along with a new offensive coordinator in Charlie Weis, the Gators look poised for another SEC title run.

But the question is, can quarterback John Brantley take the next step? Brantley had a tough 2010 season, throwing for 10 interceptions and only nine touchdowns, and he struggled mightily in the spring game. However, Muschamp and Weis believe he will overcome the struggles and take Florida to new heights.

If that happens, the Bulldogs are in a world of trouble.

No. 3: Mississippi State

One of the most surprising teams in the country last season were the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. The Bulldogs have 15 starters returning, so they have a chance to really do some damage in the SEC West.

Led by quarterback Chris Relf, MSU won nine games last year, which is something it hasn't done in a long time. When the Bulldogs play Georgia on Oct. 1, it will be a battle to say the least.

No. 2: South Carolina

No matter what its record is, South Carolina will always bring its best when it comes to the Bulldogs. But this time, the Gamecocks will come to Athens with the best team they have to face Georgia in school history.

Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore are two of the best offensive players in the SEC, and senior quarterback Stephen Garcia has the ability to make plays when Jeffery and Lattimore can't. This game is always big, but this year's edition of the Georgia-South Carolina contest will be huge because it could determine the winner of the SEC East.

No. 1: Boise State

The last time Georgia played against Boise State, the Bulldogs won convincingly in Athens.

But that was in 2005 and the Broncos are a lot better under the leadership of head coach Chris Petersen. The Broncos have lost only two games in the last three years, and led by Heisman Trophy candidate Kellen Moore, the Broncos look to win their first BCS Championship.

This game will be played at the Georgia Dome in front of a national audience. The South Carolina game will be tough, but in order to gain back some respect, the Bulldogs will have to find a way to win against the Broncos.