2015 SEC East Preview: Tennessee Vols On Top
2. Georgia Bulldogs
As we approach another season, Georgia appears to be a major player in the East once again. Mark Richt has assembled one of the most consistent programs in the country. Richt has done everything but win a National Title at Georgia. I don’t think that this will be his year to get to that point, but the Bulldogs have a very good shot at the SEC East and possibly even an SEC Championship.
Greyson Lambert may very well be the starter for Georgia week one. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
First things first, if Georgia is going to anything at all they must figure out a solution at quarterback. Virginia transfer Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey will battle it out for the starting quarterback job. In most cases, the quarterback would be a vital part of the offense, but in Georgia’s case they just need someone to manage the game while Nick Chubb and company run the football. Ramsey has virtually zero experience in meaningful situations, while Lambert turned in a sub-par season with Virginia last season.
If Georgia does anything in 2015, it will be because of Nick Chubb and the offensive line. The Bulldogs return four starters from last season — a season that saw Nick Chubb run for over 1,500 yards as a Freshman. Don’t expect much to change. Georgia is going to try and simply run everyone over. Don’t forget about Sony Michel and Keith Marshall, either. That’s quite the three headed monster at running back.
Defensively, Georgia will hope that Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins can terrorize opposing quarterbacks coming off of the edge. That is the strength of this defensive unit. They will have to replace linebacker Ramik Wilson and cornerback Damian Swann, who were two leaders on this defense.
Georgia is hoping that star recruit Trent Thompson can shore up the defensive front. The 6’4, 310 pound lineman should start right away, offering Georgia with some needed beef up front. Georgia’s weakness last season was up front, ranking just 61st against the run nationally.
Two of Georgia’s biggest games will happen back to back. Alabama comes to town on October 3rd then Georgia will travel to Knoxville to face a rising Tennessee squad. A November 14th bout at Auburn could ultimately determine Georgia’s fate in the East.
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