Preseason College Football Rankings 2011: Why Georgia Is 19th in the AP Poll

When a team goes 6-7, they are not expected to be a Top 25 team the following year. But for the Georgia Bulldogs, they are in a situation where they are ranked 19th in the AP Top 25 poll, but tallied a losing record last season.

This shows that many experts are high on the Bulldogs, and they are expected to have a bounce-back year.

But what are some of the other reasons why the Bulldogs come in at No. 19?

In fact, why is it that they are ranked considering they had their first losing season in 14 years?

Here are some reasons why the Bulldogs were able to crack the rankings.

Aaron Murray

This is an obvious reason, but Aaron Murray is expected to have a big year just like David Greene and Matthew Stafford did during their second year under center. Murray is a dark horse for the Heisman, and if he has a big year, the Bulldogs will be ranked even higher when it's all said and done.

But that is if only he has a big year.

Another Year in the 3-4

The first year in the new defense had its ups and downs, but usually for teams that run the 3-4, they play better in the second year.

The players are there as far as talent goes. It's just a matter of knowing where to line up and who to cover. Todd Grantham is a solid coordinator and will have his players ready to go once the season begins.

Mark Richt

Even though Georgia head coach Mark Richt is on the hot seat, he has to play a key role in the Dawgs' success. Richt has done more good than bad during his tenure in Athens, and when the team's back is against the wall, Richt is able get the team to fight until the season is over.

Also, Richt is one of the most respected coaches in the country. Many believe because of him, UGA will not have another season like last year.

Drew Butler

A punter?

Yes, a punter makes the list of reasons Georgia is ranked 19th.

But Butler is the arguably the best punter in the country, and when a team plays in the SEC, field position is extremely important. Butler is a two-time All-American and has averaged 46 yards per punt in his career.

Some people may not think this, but having a good punter is not easy to find, and Georgia lucked out by nabbing Butler.

Blair Walsh

There has been a long history of great kickers for Georgia from Rex Robinson, Kevin Butler, John Kasay and Billy Bennett. But there's a chance Blair Walsh could go down as the best in Georgia history when the 2011 season comes to an end.

Walsh only missed three field goals last year and is currently fourth on the all-time scoring list at 303. It's important to have a good kicker on a football team, and Georgia is fortunate to have one of the best in the country.

The Schedule

While Boise State and South Carolina are tough games to start the season, the Bulldogs don't have as tough of a schedule as one would think. Tennessee is still in rebuilding mode, and Auburn is not the team they were last year.

The Bulldogs' last three of four games are between the hedges, so they have a chance to end the season on a roll. In fact, out of all the games the Bulldogs play this year, four games are out of the state, and zero games are out of the Southeast region.

The Dream Team

While they are unproven, the new incoming class is expected to do some big things this season. Isaiah Crowell has been working with the first-team offense, and Ray Drew is competing for playing time at outside linebacker.

Another player who has a chance to see some action on the field is John Jenkins, who is expected to start at nose tackle this year. If the young players are able to step up, the Bulldogs will win on a consistent basis the next few years.