Here are the six questions we were asked with my answers. Feel free to add your own responses in the comments section below:
CFBZ: Which game is more critical for Georgia to win: Boise State or South Carolina?
Although I should say winning the first SEC game, I’ll go with Boise State. It’s critical for this Bulldog team to beat a Top Ten opponent with what will essentially be a home field advantage. Plus the ramifications of losing to Boise State would more than likely carry over to the South Carolina game. And UGA gave up an almost certain W against Louisville to play this game.
CFBZ: Other than Isaiah Crowell, which incoming freshman do you think will have the biggest impact in 2011?
Since Johnathan Jenkins isn’t a freshman, I’ll say Ray Drew. The Dawgs really need to shore up the front seven in the second year of Grantham’s 3-4 defense. Georgia gave up 1,914 yards on the ground in 2010, which was almost 300 more than in 2009 under Willie Martinez. Plus it seemed like they couldn’t stop anyone on third down.
CFBZ: Who are some under-the-radar guys that you think will step up for Georgia this year?
I think Kenarious Gates will step up this year on the OL. They also need some receivers to step up, and Rantavious Wooten fits the bill. On defense, Kwame Geathers. He will be pushed hard by Jenkins.
CFBZ: What makes you most excited about seeing Georgia play this year?
Watching Aaron Murray lead what appears to be, on the surface, a tougher and more focused team. I know, seems like a broken record that plays every offseason.
CFBZ: What makes you the most nervous about seeing Georgia play this year?
The two back-to-back tough games to open the season. Plus our annual wet-the-bed episodes in Jacksonville.
CFBZ: Athlon Sports has rated the Dawgs at #14 and Phil Steele has them at #9 in their pre-season polls. Both have Georgia winning the SEC East and playing in the Capital One Bowl. What needs to happen for Georgia to live up to these lofty expectations?
These are lofty expectations indeed, especially for a team that went 8-5 in 2009 and 7-6 in 2010, capped off by a measly two field goals against UCF.
Several things need to happen for the Dawgs to live up to these expectations. Georgia needs to start the season 2-0 or the wheels could fall off. But I could see a scenario where they lose to Boise State, beat the Gamecocks and then go on to finish the regular season 9-3 or 10-2.
The Dawgs also need to make more stops on defense, especially on third down. On offense, they really need some good production from Caleb King while Isaiah Crowell acclimates himself to the college game.
Injuries are always a concern, and staying healthy will also go a long way towards living up to the preseason expectations. The Dawgs have a lot of talent, but the backups have little experience at several key positions, such as quarterback, running back and along both lines.
Thanks for having us and Go Dawgs!
View Comments (13)
1. Winning the Boise game will help set the tone for the season and will give us an edge against Carolina but the SC game will mean more in the long run seeing as everyone has UGA and SC as the 2 front runners for the East.
2. I think that Ray Drew will make quite a splash when he gets on the field but if T King and M Brown don't step up to the plate I think Malcolm Mitchell will make some major noise as a reciever.
3. Jarvis Jones is only under the radar because he didn't play last year but he's likely to surprise most of the fan base that doesn't follow the program religiously. I also feel that Sanders Commings will make some noise and Bruce Figgins will make a name for himself both blocking and coming out of the backfield in passing situations.
4. Coming together in the 2nd year of the 3-4.
5. Mike Bobo
6. The defense has to produce. Crowell has to be as advertised. A go-to receiver has to step up, and the line has to play to their talent level.
Thanks for the answers. Looks good. We have to beat Boise...
1)Boise-Win this one and SC is roadkill.
2)Ray Drew, Malcolm Mitchell, one of those freshmen linebackers.
3)Christian Robinson, Branden Smith
4)Defense that could be among conferences best, huge increase in sacks.
5)Aaron Murray's health
6)a-see #5; b-big Crowell impact; c-line play on o & d; d-finish games.
Good answers. Mine are different somewhat, but there are lots of options.
1.SC- conference games are most important.
2.Mitchell
3.Brown
4.Jenkins/Geathers combo.
5. Offensive line
6. O-line, receivers step up, improvements from secondary, and all the newbies live up to hype.
Good stuff, but I went with Boise on #1.
1. BSU - will set tone for SC and season, along with tough test for young players to build on
2. On D - Drew. If he can impact line and spell others in rotation, huge value. On O - Mitchell will have ample opportunity to contribute and fill void. The table is set for him.
3. Jarvis Jones, hands down. Big spring should lead to big season, and Grantham will lean on him.
4. The pressure to redeem last season and prove it was an anomale. And you have to be jacked up to see how the new players contribute. Also excited to see how Murray builds on last year and how the D settles into system in year 2 and swarms to ball.
5. The pressure to perform (see #4) and the offensive play-calling.
6. New players have to contribute early and often, Charles has to be targeted more, Murray has to be steady and poised with unproven line, and D has to be game-changing every week. And this may sound strange, but Walsh and Butler will have to win a few games for us when O and D struggle.
All good answers.
1. BSU, beat them, then beat everyone else.
2. Drew. The right stuff.
3. Lemay. The real deal.
4. There will be so many surprises.
5. Fourth quarter.
6. Richt cannot be the typical Richt.
Agree on all answers. Mine differ a little.
Thanks for participating. We will have to do it again once the season starts.
Let's do it!
5-7 you bunch of Kool Aid Drinking Pussies! This team will be worse than last years team. You lose the best reciever UGA has had in the last 20 years and you expect to be decent. Not a chance in hell. Ole Saint Richt will stain the sheets again this year!