When Georgia has the ball

The Bulldogs’ offense opened the season in fine style, with quarterback Matthew Stafford passing for a career-high 275 yards. The outcome was settled early on, allowing nine different UGA players to catch at least one pass from three different quarterbacks.

Heisman Trophy hopeful Knowshon Moreno wasn’t required to do much, but he still managed to score three touchdowns while gathering up 59 yards on eight totes. Had UGA opted to run up the score against their Football Championship Subdivision foes, they could’ve made the contest as ugly as they liked.

EDGE: Georgia

When Central Michigan has the ball

The Chippewas are led by senior signal caller Dan LeFevour, who last season passed for more than 3,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000, becoming just the second player to put up those kinds of numbers in the history of college football’s top division.

And although this one-man show accounted for 259 yards of total offense in last week’s 31-12 victory over Eastern Illinois, he hasn’t gone up against an SEC defense — and certainly not one as good as the one he’ll face today at Sanford Stadium.

This is one load he won’t be able to carry alone — not for four quarters.

EDGE: Georgia

Special teams

Those worried at how well Blair Walsh would handle taking over placekicking duties from Brandon Coutu should worry no more.

The true freshman made his first collegiate field goal from 52 yards out, and he accounted for 9 points in UGA’s victory over Georgia Southern.

Brian Mimbs did a nice job punting and returner Asher Allen averaged 18 yards on three returns, giving the Red and Black an excellent start on special teams.

Central Michigan counters with a good kicker in Andrew Aguila, while Antonio Brown can be dangerous returning punts and kickoffs.

EDGE: Georgia

The bottom line

Georgia’s stay at No. 1 was short-lived, as USC jumped the Bulldogs thanks to a 52-7 rout of Virginia. But even with injuries and problems on the offensive line UGA still managed to thump Georgia Southern 45-21, building a 38-0 lead before three TDs were tacked on against the reserves.

The Chippewas aren’t a bad team, and could make some noise in the MAC this season, defending their league title.

The MAC, however, is a far cry from the SEC, and Mark Richt’s charges should have little trouble making it two-for-two in 2008.

Prediction: Georgia 42, Central Michigan 17