EXPECTATIONS
The grace period is over. After being selected third in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division race last year and experiencing an erratic 8-5 ride that ended in the Liberty Bowl, the Bulldogs have been picked to win their division in Kirby Smart’s second season as coach. Georgia should be more comfortable under Smart and coordinators Jim Chaney and Mel Tucker, and the Bulldogs should fare better with sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason having gone through his first-year challenges. Of course, being picked to reach the SEC title game and actually getting there have been two different things for the Bulldogs, who are seeking their first East crown since 2012 and first league championship since 2005.
CONCERNS
Despite having 17 of 22 starters returning from a team that won four of its final five games, Georgia is having to replace three starters on the offensive line. Smart, Chaney and offensive line coach Sam Pittman signed bigger linemen earlier this year, so this still could be another transition period up front as far as the coaches having their line the way they want it. Eason had a better season statistically than Matthew Stafford when Stafford was a freshman in 2006, but Stafford took a monstrous jump as a sophomore and led the Bulldogs to a No. 2 final ranking. Can Eason take a similar leap? Special teams were woeful last season, and only time will tell if Smart has addressed those issues.
WHAT’S NEW