NCAA Football Preview - Georgia Bulldogs
Sports Network | August 15, 2008
2008 ANALYSIS:
OFFENSE: Last season, Georgia finished 74th nationally in total offense, generating 375.6 total ypg. Still, the team scored 32.6 ppg, good enough to rank 34th in the nation.
There are eight starters back in the fold for 2008, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 2,523 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago. Just a junior, many analysts believe that Stafford is poised for a big year, and while he does not play in a pass-happy offense, the Georgia signal-caller has a big arm and a solid understanding of coach Richt's offense. Mohamed Massaquoi is the team's top returning receiver, as he hauled in 32 balls for 491 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Still, the strength of the Georgia offense will be the ground attack despite a recent injury as well as turnover on the offensive line. Sophomore tackle Trinton Sturdivant, who started all 13 games as a freshman last year, has been lost for the season with a torn ACL. The thinning of the offensive front has Richt a bit concerned.
"We have one junior lineman, no senior linemen," says coach Richt. "The rest are freshmen and sophomores. Yes, three did start last year. But we literally could be starting, you know, four sophomores and a true freshman possibly."
Tailback Knowshon Moreno made a splash as a freshman, rushing for 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns on 248 carries and now is viewed as one of the premiere rushers in the country. He is an explosive back who big-play ability, and it helps to have standout fullback Brennan Southerland opening holes. Georgia will win with power.
DEFENSE: Seven starters return from a Georgia defense that ranked 14th nationally in total defense and 18th in scoring defense. Rather than rely on one or two standout players to carry the unit, the defense is simply solid in all areas.
The defensive line figures to be a major area of strength, and Geno Atkins is one to watch at the tackle position. He looked unblockable at times as a sophomore (41 tackles, 7.5 sacks) and figures to be even better as a junior.
The linebacking group is built on speed, and the best of the bunch are starters Rennie Curran (53 tackles, three sacks) and Dannell Ellerbe. In 2007, Ellerbee made 93 tackles, and he is the type of player who always manages to get to the football.
In the defensive backfield, Asher Allen (64 tackles, three INTs) figures to draw the responsibility of covering the opposition's top receiver. Not big by any means, Allen is tough and experienced, an important combo.
SPECIAL TEAMS: One of the biggest concerns for coach Richt heading into this season is the void at the kicker position. Last season, Brandon Coutu was outstanding, but he has moved on. It is likely that freshman Blair Walsh will handle the kicking duties, and considering that Georgia figures to find itself in many close games, a lot of pressure will likely fall on the young man's shoulders. Brian Mimbs is a solid punter, and Asher Allen figures to see time as both a kick and punt returner.
OUTLOOK: There is no question that Georgia has what it takes to contend for a national title. The offense will be extremely balanced, while the defense will keep SEC opponents in check on most Saturdays.
Still, the schedule is daunting, including road games at Arizona State, LSU and Auburn, as well as the annual meeting with Florida in Jacksonville. Another BCS bid is likely for Richt and company, as long as recent conduct issues involving certain players doesn't snowball.
"Our goal is always set to try to win the Southeastern Conference," says Richt. "From that point, you don't know if you'll get in the National Championship game or not, quite frankly. It's hard to set a goal that you can't control."
