The first year of the Kirby Smart era did not go as planned for the Georgia Bulldogs last season, but this year should be different. Young QB Jacob Eason is ready to take a step forward and there's plenty of talent on the roster. UGA has what it takes to make a run at the SEC East title - and they're determined to reach that goal. Can they actually accomplish it? Here's a game-by-game prediction of Georgia's schedule this year:
Week 1: vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
This game represents a good season-opening test for Georgia. App State is certainly good enough to compete with the Bulldogs, but they aren't good enough to win.
Week 2: at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
It looks like this will be Brian Kelly's final season in South Bend. The Irish need to find an answer at quarterback and improve drastically on defense. Georgia wins comfortably, even on the road.
Week 3: vs. Samford Bulldogs
Prediction: WIN (3-0)
Yeah...this one won't be close.
Week 4: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Prediction: WIN (4-0)
The Bulldogs are another SEC West team looking to break through, and led by quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, they should have a very competitive team. However, they're a one-dimensional offense. Look for Georgia to pick up the narrow win at home.
Week 5: at Tennessee Volunteers
Prediction: WIN (5-0)
Tennessee's Hail Mary beat Georgia at the buzzer last year, and with two young, talented teams, this game should be another tight one. The winner will also emerge as the biggest challenger to Florida in the SEC East. Unfortunately for the Vols, I think UGA just has too much talent.
Week 6: at Vanderbilt Commodores
Prediction: WIN (6-0)
Vanderbilt is still one of the worst teams in the SEC and are no match for the Bulldogs. Georgia's defense may score more than Vandy's offense in this one.
Week 7: vs. Missouri Tigers
Prediction: WIN (7-0)
Mizzou is projected to be the worst team in the SEC East again this year. The talent gap between them and UGA is simply too large.
Week 8: BYE
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Week 9: vs. Florida Gators (Jacksonville, FL)
Prediction: LOSS (7-1)
The first loss of the season will be a tough one for Georgia. Florida has beaten UGA three times in a row overall. Georgia is a team with a lot of talent, but that talent has a history of not playing their best against quality competition. Last year, they were just 3-3 against teams that finished the season with a winning record. I think the Gators win a close game.
Week 10: vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Prediction: WIN (8-1)
South Carolina is going to be better this season, but that defense belongs in the Big 12. Georgia wins a shootout at home.
Week 11: at Auburn Tigers
Prediction: LOSS (8-2)
If this game was in Athens, it may turn out differently. Auburn holds the upper hand in this one because of that track record we talked about against Florida and because it's at Jordan Hare.
Week 12: vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Prediction: WIN (9-2)
Kentucky has improved to the point where they've been competitive over the last few years. That said, this is not a road game they're capable of winning.
Week 13: at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Prediction: WIN (10-2)
Losing by one, at home, to Georgia Tech last year is something that has stuck with this team all season. They won't miss out on the opportunity to get their 10th win in a revenge game like this.
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