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Every DAWG has it's day

Posted June 5, 2008

But this year the dawgs from Athens Georgia have their sights set on the entire 2008 season. At A glance Georgia had a very successful 2007 season finishing up at 11-2 overall and 6-2 in the SEC putting them 2nd. Coach Mark Richt at Georgia and overall is 72-18 in a seven year career.

So what makes 2008 any different? Last year was a rebuilding year for 2008 and well, 2008 is here. Coach Richt has built a very experienced team, with a total of 17 returning starters (7 offense, 9 defense, and a punter). Finishing out the 2007 season with a 41 – 10 victory over Hawaii in the Sugar bowl, placed Georgia at a No.2 ranking in the final AP Poll. This was Georgias best finish since the Herschel Walker Era.

With success comes expectation, but over the past six seasons Georgia has matched two-time National Champ’s LSU for the best record in the SEC, at 64-15. This is a team that knows nothing but hard work, and that goes a long way when building a championship team. The Bulldog’s have one of the country’s most exciting players (and my pick to win the Hiesman Trophy this year) in running back Knowshon Moreno, and junior QB Matthew Stafford who I feel well fully blossom into a huge star this season.

Here is a breakdown of the 2008 Georgia Bulldogs. Offense: Matthew Stafford had a passing rating of 128.9 last year trailing Florida’s Tim Tebow among returning quarterbacks. The offensive line was completely rebuilt last year and should show experience across the board this season.

With the loss of only one receiver (Sean Bailey) Georgia has added freshman Tavarres King, A.J. Green, and Israel Troupe, all of whom should make an impact on the field. And last but certainly not least is Knowshon Moreno. Bursting onto the scene with 1,332 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns he is easily compared to Georgia great Herschel Walker. His presence and energy will take some of the pressure off QB Matthew Stafford both on the field and in the spotlight. The only offensive starting position to fill well be at center and I expect to see Ben Jones show that he’s the man for the job. Also make sure to keep an eye on receiver Mohamed Massaquoi who is in his senior year. I have a feeling that he is going to have a breakout year.

Defense: Only two team’s finished in the top3 in total defense, run defense, and scoring defense – LSU and Georgia. If that is not impressive enough, a defense that ranked 14th in the country in fewest yards allowed has 9 of 11 starters returning. Over the past 10 years Georgia’s defensive line has been the best in the country. I don’t believe this year is going to be any different.

Special Teams: Georgia’s most important true freshman this year will be place kicker Blair Walsh. With the loss of Brandon Coutu, Walsh will have to be at the top of his game. As a senior in high school Walsh booted 2 59 yarders and averaged 69 yards per kickoff. The true challenge will be how he reacts to 90,000 hostile LSU fans in the closing seconds of the game. As usual Georgia’s schedule is one of the toughest in college football. With road games against South Carolina and Arizona State and LSU, Florida, Kentucky and Auburn late in the season, there is a ray of sunshine in that we have Alabama and Tennessee at home and an off week before going against Georgia Tech’s new triple Option Offense. Any team who can survive this schedule deserves to be in the BCS Championship Game.