Offense
For the second straight season Georgia will be grooming a new QB. However, Aaron Murray should have a much easier time than Joe Cox, because Georgia returns 10 starters as well as the entire offensive front. Murray will also have the luxury of college football’s best WR in AJ Green as his #1 target. Georgia also has a pair of stout RBs in sophomore Washaun Ealey and junior Caleb King. Both benefited from improved offensive line play at then end of 09 and both had career performances in an upset of instate rival Georgia Tech. Despite a new young QB, expect big things from this offensive unit.
Defense
Defensive Coordinator Willie Martinez was shown the door at the end of 2009 after two subpar years from his unit. Georgia’s defense also seemed to fall apart in the biggest games under Martinez as the unit gave up over 35 points a game to SEC East opponents Florida and Tennessee during the last four years of his tenure.
Enter new DC Todd Grantham and a brand new 3-4 scheme. I think the Dawgs will improve under Grantham, but I do think there will be some growing pains. Georgia only has 1 returning starter on the defensive line, and the number one DT (arguably the most important position in a 3-4) is O-line transfer Justin Anderson who has never played a down of defensive line in college. Georgia should be improved at linebacker with outside LBs Justin Houston and Cornelius Washington coming off the edge. The secondary should be improved as well from a unit that was #74 nationally in pass defense last season. However, the key to this unit will be the play of the defensive front.
Overall
This is the biggest season for Mark Richt’s tenure in Athens. Last season he fired nearly his entire defensive staff, and his new DC Todd Grantham is making $750K a year, making him one of the highest paid DC in the nation. So, immediate results will be expected. The key will be to improve on a turnover margin that was one of the worst nationally in 2009.
I think the changes in Athens will light a fire under this football team. Also, the schedule is not as challenging as the past few years as LSU is replaced from the West by Mississippi State. Georgia needs to get off to a good start as South Carolina and Arkansas will meet the Dawgs in week 3. If they can get through those two unscathed, I believe you will see the Dawgs unbeaten headed to Jacksonville.
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