Georgia Football Preview
Bulldogs Must Replace Stars for 2009 season
They started the 2008 season as the No. 1 team in the nation, but came up short throughout the season. Now quarterback Matthew Stafford is at the Detroit Lions after going as the top pick in the NFL Draft.
Star tailback Knowshon Moreno was also picked in the first round of the draft. Both Stafford and Moreno were the stars for the Bulldog’s offense, and they will be hard for head coach Mark Richt to replace.
Although the Bulldogs have some questions at filling a few positions, there is still plenty of talent roaming between the hedges.
Offense
Fifth-year senior Joe Cox will be taking over at quarterback for the Bulldogs. Cox does not have the rocket arm that Stafford does, but he is very accurate and knows the offense.
Of course it doesn’t hurt having A.J. Green to throw to, who is arguably the best receiver in the SEC and possibly the best in the nation.
Cox will be backed up by the talented Logan Gray, who may come in the games to run some quarterback keepers.
Mark Richt has recruited well to add some more depth to the position with incoming freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger. Both Murray and Mettenberger look to have great futures in Athens.
At wide receiver, A.J. Green does not have a whole lot of help with Mohamed Massaquoi gone and Kris Durham out with a season-ending injury. Receivers Tavarres King, Michael Moore, Tony Wilson, and Israel Troupe will need to make some plays to get the coverage off of Green.
Georgia will have a tough time replacing Moreno at the tailback position. Caleb King looks to be the new starter, but Carlton Thomas will be pushing him for the starting job.
They may not have the talent of Moreno, but Georgia has depth with a lot of ability at the position that also includes Dontavius Jackson, and Richard Samuel.
Georgia returns all five starters on the offensive line, which should be able to push the pile. This strength will definitely help the Bulldogs with its new starters at quarterback and tailback. Clint Boling, Trinton Sturdivant, and Ben Jones anchor the offensive line that could be the best in Richt’s nine seasons coaching the team.
Defense
On defense the Bulldogs lost three players to the NFL Draft and had another two sign as free agents.
Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez got a lot of criticism last year for letting Florida, Alabama, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Kentucky all put up more than 38 points against them.
On the defensive line Georgia is strong at tackle with Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens, but they need help with and edge pass rusher. Last year they ranked eighth in sacks in the SEC with only 24.
At linebacker the team looks good with Rennie Curran being one of the best at his position in the league. Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble also help strengthen the defense at linebacker.
The secondary should be fine even with the losses of C.J.Byrd and Asher Allen to the NFL. Strong safety Reshad Jones will lead the secondary after having five interceptions last year.
Bryan Evans moved from corner to free safety with Prince Miller starting at one corner. Cornerback Brandon Boykin looked solid in the spring and also should help in the secondary.
Special Teams
Blair Walsh returns as the placekicker for the team and kicked an impressive 51-yarder in the spring game.
Drew Butler looks to replace Brian Mimbs at punter. Prince Miller, Logan Grey or Reshad Jones will likely return punts with Boykin and Thomas returning kickoffs.
Georgia’s schedule
Georgia lost its stars, but should be able to pull off eight or nine victories.
They have some tough nonconference opponents including the opener against Oklahoma State along with a game against Arizona State.
The last game of the season against Georgia Tech should also make for a great matchup. Tech won last year's game 45-42.
One good thing is that they replace Alabama with Arkansas as an SEC West opponent. LSU and Florida should be the toughest conference matchups that Georgia has this year.
Florida will once again be a big game for the Bulldogs, especially with Georgia wanting revenge for last year’s 49-10 loss.
The Georgia vs. Oklahoma State should be a great season opener on Sept. 5. The Bulldogs are No. 13 in the preseason AP poll and the Cowboys are No. 9. A win over Oklahoma State would help boost Richt’s team into having a successful 2009 season.
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