
The Honey Badger had his way last season. But that was then. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
Georgia will go 11-1 and win the SEC East. Then it will beat LSU for the SEC championship. And then … well, what destination traditionally awaits the SEC champion? (Hint: It ain’t beautiful downtown Shreveport.)
With that, we commence our annual long-range look at college football, which is guaranteed to please absolutely no one. If I pick your team to do less well than you think it should, you’ll be miffed; if I pick your team to do better, you’ll gripe about the Bradley Jinx. Which didn’t, I should note, seem to trouble Georgia overmuch last season: The Bulldogs, as predicted, did take the East. And this year, for better or worse, I foresee better.
Georgia Tech will upset Virginia Tech on Labor Day night and will win the ACC Coastal Division. I can’t really believe I’m making this call. (Perhaps you share the feeling.) But before you succumb to an outbreak of whooping scoff, check the Jackets’ schedule. They’ll play only one road game — that at Clemson — between Sept. 4 and Nov. 2, and their final three ACC games are against Maryland (2-10 last season), North Carolina (new coach plus a bowl ban) and Duke (still Duke).
One game doesn’t usually a season make — you’ll recall Georgia losing to Boise State — but history does note that the Tech-Tech winner has become Coastal champ every year there has been a Coastal. History also notes that Virginia Tech doesn’t always start quickly. History also notes that Paul Johnson is pretty good as an underdog. I’m thinking he coaches the heck out of that game and his team goes 9-3 (losses to Miami, Clemson and Georgia) and wins the division on a tiebreaker. I’m also thinking nobody else will agree — except maybe Paul Johnson.
Georgia Tech's Tevin Washington against the Hokies last year. That didn't end so well, either. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
LSU will lose a regular-season game but win the SEC West. Maybe the loss will come at Auburn, or at Florida, or even at Texas A&M. Just for the heck of it, let’s go with the new-to-the SEC Aggies. I do not, however, believe LSU will lose against Alabama on Nov. 3 or Arkansas on Nov. 24. The men of Miles will rise up for those Titanic tilts. (I also don’t think Bama will be quite as good as advertised, and I can’t see John L. Smith lifting Arkansas to great heights.)
Once again, South Carolina will beat Georgia but lose the SEC East. Because the Gamecocks will lose at LSU on Oct. 13 and at Florida the next week. (The Gators will start to get well this season. They’ll go 9-3.) Another 10-win season will leave South Carolina frozen out of the SEC title game — mostly because of the imbalance in SEC scheduling. Steve Spurrier is right: Somebody does need to do something about that.
Speaking of significant openers … Tennessee cannot lose to North Carolina State on Aug. 31. Derek Dooley’s Vols could be positioned for a rebound — provided they beat the Wolfpack in Game 1 of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff. And State, which was 8-5 last season even after letting Russell Wilson leave for Wisconsin, won’t be easy. But this is a must game for the Vols, and I’m thinking they’ll take it. Besides, the SEC always beats the ACC, right?
Hold that thought. I like Clemson over Auburn the next night in the same building. Cam Newton: Gone awhile. Gus Malzahn: Gone to Arkansas State. Auburn’s 2010 national championship will soon be rendered one of those how-did-that-happen comets if Gene Chizik doesn’t think of something fast, and I’m not sure G-Chiz is about to make us say, “Gee whiz!” The schedule’s not that bad; I just don’t see Auburn being that good. Eight wins, tops.
Florida State will win the ACC because somebody has to. League loyalists point to the good coaches entering the conference — Mike London of Virginia, Al Golden of Miami, Larry Fedora of North Carolina — as reason to believe. Honesty compels me to confess that I’ve rarely seen the ACC appear less imposing. (So why am I picking Clemson over Auburn? Because I’m stupid, that’s why.)
Southern Cal will go undefeated behind their boy genius coach and will play Georgia for the BCS title in Miami. I’m not going to make a pick on this one yet — I’ve done enough damage for one day, don’t you think? — except to say this: Lane Kiffin absolutely owns Mark Richt. (OK, so they’ve only met once.)
Kidding aside, I really do think Georgia has the makings of a championship team. Great defense. Good quarterback. Lots of running backs. I have the same concerns as you about the offensive line, but no team is without blemish. And the schedule — no Alabama, no Arkansas, no LSU, not even a Boise State — looks mightily inviting. Not to heap pressure on anyone, but you have to wonder: If Richt doesn’t play for the BCS title with this team, will he ever?
Lane Kiffin at work against Georgia: Oct. 10, 2009. His team won by 26. (AP photo)
By Mark Bradley
624 comments Add your comment
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
5:09 pm
MURRY is a QB God and he will score 50 points every game. Well minus the 28 points he gives the other teams Defense.
David S
June 1st, 2012
5:11 pm
life long GT fan… guess I love pain… there’s no way Tech will win their division and if they do and luck up toget to a bowl… they’ll will looooosssseeee !!!!!!!!!!! cause Paul is an arrognant ass.. It will be the same old crap as last year… and the dogs will win the SEC Title win the Hawks win the East… GOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
5:14 pm
David S GT has a chance to win the Coastal and ACC more often then the dWags have a shot at the SEC.
David S
June 1st, 2012
5:26 pm
disagree twinkie… win you suck you suck… Paul sucks cause of his arrogant ass attitude… I dont really give a damn about what the mutts do…
kingdaddy
June 1st, 2012
5:29 pm
Boy some of you started getting ready for the weekend early didn’t you???
GoTech
June 1st, 2012
5:33 pm
Georgia is always picked to win something and they have really disappointed their fans for the past few years. Her’s hoping the trend continues this year!
mainline
June 1st, 2012
5:44 pm
dis year, da dog be the bomb—mark the dog down for somethin big–know what im sayin? des dogs for real
2011champs
June 1st, 2012
5:45 pm
GT does have a better chance to win the Coastal and the ACC than UGA has of winning the East and SEC Championship. They beat Va. Tech on Sept3, and they have the edge, and that is very do-able. Meanwhile, I am not sure that UGA can beat EITHER team from Columbia. Their game on Sept 8 is a trap game if there has ever been one. Defending SEC East champ going on the road to play a very good Missouri team that will be sky high and needs desperately to prove they belong in the SEC. TG’s depleted D will be tested early and often, and if Mizzou can pressure AM, he will help them out with a pic or fumble, or just some awful passes, which is his history. He does not handle pressure well, and like the D, his impressive stats were improved by playing the creampuff schedule(Coastal Carolina, New Mexico St, Kentucky). Yes, I can see Tech in Charlotte, but UGA in Atlanta…. well, I would not be making any hotel reservations.
kingdaddy
June 1st, 2012
5:50 pm
Got-ech
We really feel sorry for tech, but we’ll probably beat you again this year. We were really disappointed only winning the SECe last year. Oh well, that was ok, but not as much fun as beating you again and again and …
2011champs
June 1st, 2012
6:02 pm
Actually you did not win the East last season. It was South Carolina that lost it to you. You played a crip conference schedule, and Carolina did not. They lost a game that cost them. The Dogs laughed their way to Atlanta, then became LSU’s joke (42 unanswered points, not championship worthy)
3d
June 1st, 2012
6:07 pm
God, I wish he wouldn’t pick us to win the SEC.
Now, we’re doomed. Never works out when he does. 10 & 3, here we come.
Get your room in Tampa.
The Truth is in the Coaching
June 1st, 2012
6:26 pm
Here lies the problem, people like Bham Dawg/ GT Bob are so focused on what is happening at Alabama and what Nick Saban are doing they cannot stay clear minded on how poor of a job their coaches are doing.
You see the issue is not the recruits, the facilites, or even academic requirements, it is the complete lack of coaching, game planning and understanding that even during the course of a game that adjustments are made and good coaches TEACH their players to adjust their game plans and their play. At the good schools you do not see them making dumb penalites( Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Personal Fouls, Jumping offside, late hits) or trash talking while down by a couple of touchdowns after making a decent play. At UGA that is the norm and their off the field antics and behavior demonstrate their mental state of mind which is fully a direct focus of coaching and TEACHING.
UGA cannot beat good teams, Is that in their heads? Or is it just their coaches? It really does not matter, in the end the poor behavior and selfish attitudes of too many UGA players also cost them games that really matter. UGA coaches are the failures and good coaches know how to beat poorly managed teams like UGA and CMR allow to go onto the field.
Bama Mike
June 1st, 2012
6:29 pm
Thanks Mark. I also have my doubts about Bama young and they need a year in the system. But now after that kiss of death predictions you have handed the dogs I am starting to like our chances
Dogs > lsu
June 1st, 2012
6:38 pm
only lsu has the talent that UGA has this year. Alabama lost a bunch of stars and florida will be bad like last year. Ga can beat lsu this year with a better D. Take this to the bank–Ga wins the SEC and plays oregon for the title.
Rambling Wrek
June 1st, 2012
7:07 pm
Georgia won’t go to a bowl game. Book it.
kingdaddy
June 1st, 2012
7:47 pm
2011
BAWAAAAAAAAHAAAHAAAA…OU WANT SOME CHEESE TO GO WITH THAT WHINE??? I thought you babies were finally over the blubbering! I guess not…
kingdaddy
June 1st, 2012
7:54 pm
Twinkie
I told you she was waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much woman for you son.lol, anyway, she found her way back home…You can’t get a DGD LOST!!!
Thogwummpy
June 1st, 2012
8:32 pm
Sadly, UGA is likely to have depth issues again on the OL; and that’s where a team makes it’s bones. You can’t dominate an opponent if you can’t block and control the ball. And Georgia’s strength program has shown itself to be well off based on Q4 performances in 2011. That said, I’m hopeful. Just not a polyanna like Bradley.
Thogwummpy
June 1st, 2012
8:37 pm
OHHH….and no prediction on Valdosta State?!?! C’mon AJC….some D2 coverage would be a nice change this year. Heck, Division II in the state of Georgia has produced national championships…and STILL Class A high school gets more attention. Fo’ shame!
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
8:55 pm
Who is UGa playing?
Wait UGa is playing with 16-17 year old boys this weekend.
Typical………..
Praying for the FUTURE and not living in the PRESENT.
“Wait Til Next Year” since forever………………..!
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
8:57 pm
Kingdaddy I can drive a STICK burning rubber in all 5 gears of a T-5 tranny. LOL
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
KingDaddy I prefer a C-4 or C-6 Positive traction. I want to DRIVE hard with both tires……….LOL Bro
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
9:00 pm
KingDaddy and mustang Sally are hang’n at the Dew Drop Inn. Go by and see then. It is a Party with good people for sure.
BigTimeTECHFan
June 1st, 2012
9:19 pm
GT will beat an undefeated UGA team.
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
9:24 pm
BTTF how many times have you EVER seen an Undefeated Mutt team?
once a tech fan
June 1st, 2012
10:12 pm
Tech needs a coach and a good young coach at that and a young defensive mind. Georgia players have always liked the bars to much, the old ball coach said it best, I like to play the dogs in the first 3 weeks. The Georgia players always play as I, me and never as a team. Georgia players are always looking at the next level of play, they forget its a team sport. To win you have to remember there is no I in team.
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
10:21 pm
once a tech fan…………….NAMES BeOtch……….Give names and a CHECK……..How much is your CHECK for and what are the #’s on the bottom since you KNOW how to do it,
The only 11 uga will see is after a 9
June 1st, 2012
10:21 pm
Remember, thuga still has this entire summer to survive without losing its players to felony/misdemeanor acts.
My intuition says they have a better chance of winning the fulmer cup, not the SEC championship.
fsubrave
June 1st, 2012
10:24 pm
Bradley,
go read Phil Steele’s publication..need i mention he’s the most accurate 14 yrs running. He picks FSU #1…While i would not put us there, I do believe our D will be the nations best….
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 1st, 2012
10:29 pm
FSwho?
Wreckmaniac
June 1st, 2012
10:41 pm
Well Mark, I give you credit. You have to start somewhere. The problem is that some people just can’t tolerate the fact that someone else has a different opionion. Tech’s chances against VA Tech are slim but they are more likely than UGA’s chances of winning the SEC. That is where you are really off your rocker. UGA was given the SEC East championship last season and they were given an escape from Alabama this year but they still won’t convert those gimmes into an SEC champ.
Georgia Big Gamecock
June 1st, 2012
11:31 pm
Nothing finer than being a gamecock in Georgia. October or September – does it really matter. UGA always has had better athletes based on the “so called” recruiting services. Just never been able to reach the potential that very loyal Ga fans deserve! Carolina fans are just enjoying the current mo!!!!
Mayberryfan
June 1st, 2012
11:51 pm
ROLL TIDE ROLL!! I am ready for football season!
Drweb66
June 2nd, 2012
12:18 am
With UGA’s joke of an easy schedule anything short of an east title would be bad news for Richt. Seriously with the talent he has on hand and the favorable schedule it would take either a glut of injuries, arrests, or some seriously poor coaching for them to achieve less.
Irregardless they’ll once again get spanked by either LSU or Alabama with the west winner bringing home a 7th straight national title.
Why not the Dawgs? I think both west coaches are better on gamedays and both west rosters are top to bottom more talented.
I wouldn’t expect any less homerism from mr. Bradley however.
kingdaddy
June 2nd, 2012
12:52 am
When I tell you I’ll be back, you can bank it! Twinkie, you should have stopped by the Dew…
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 2nd, 2012
12:56 am
KingDaddy but you are in Sav..right?
I dropped my fried twinkie
June 2nd, 2012
12:59 am
KingDaddy i wish I still had the 69 428 CJ PI fastbask I would LOVE Mustang Sally to sit in the buckets and MELT some tires.
Get Real
June 2nd, 2012
5:54 am
What were you smoking when you made these predictions?
heeldawg
June 2nd, 2012
6:17 am
Well, opinions are like…you know…
So here’s mine:
Bradley’s got to sell papers. That’s why he writes. So if he writes “Tech will probably lose to Virginia Tech, but they may not, and if they do, they will win the division,” or “Georgia may well win the SEC East because it has the easiest schedule on that side of the fence,” he’s not gonna have as many of us posting on here. But if he says, “Tech will win the Coastal and Georgia will win the SEC,” that gets peoples’ attention. And hence we are all expressing our relatively contentious viewpoints.
To win a championship of any sort, lots of variables come into play. Talent is one. Coaching and scheduling are two others. Injuries, matchups and just plain old luck are part of the equation, too. The moving parts are all inherently unpredictable–which is why all of this fascinates us so.
Tech’s glaring weaknesses last year were simple talent deficits on defense (they just were not very good there) and the lack of a reliable vertical passing game on offense after the first few games of the season. Georgia had weaknesses in special teams (the most glaring weakness of all; without special teams breakdowns, the Dawgs would have beaten both South Carolina and MSU and would have posted a 12-2 record in 2011) and in turnovers–particularly from Aaron Murray in big games, when he was pressing too hard to make something happen. The lack of depth at running back also contributed; the team essentially became one-dimensional late in the season after the Auburn game, when Crowell and Samuel were injured and everyone else was simply ineffective. Murray is at his best when he has a good running game. He doesn’t feel he has to do it all himself then.
Tech’s schedule is actually quite favorable–it avoids FSU, gets Miami at home, and the non-conference slate is manageable (PC, MTSU, BYU are all very beatable). The added advantage of playing in the dishwater ACC and getting Va Tech early are also critical.
Tech’s problems from last season will persist to some degree–the talent deficit on defense still exists,and the development of a reliable vertical passing game will be largely dependent upon who can replace Stephen Hill as a deep threat and whether there will be consistent delivery of the football in the play action. That being said, here’s how I see 2012 for Tech:
Sure wins: PC, MTSU, BC, Duke
Probable wins: Maryland, UNC, BYU
Tossups: UVA, Miami
Probable losses: Clemson, Va Tech
Sure losses: U.Ga.
I really don’t see Tech winning in Athens–the defense should be at full strength by then, and that alone should guarantee a Georgia win. Tech would have to outscore the Dawgs to win this game, as their defense will not be able to stop the Georgia offense (they could not last season, and this offense will have more talent at every position except the offensive line–and that unit will be considerably less green by the 12th game of the season). It is hard to outscore someone when you cannot score.
That being said, if you start with the assumption that Tech wins all of the “sure wins” and “probable wins,” that’s seven victories right there. Throw in a split of the tossups and that’s eight wins. That will have the Jackets at 8-2.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Clemson returns a lot of offensive firepower, and that game is in Death Valley–but their defense will still have difficulties this season. Throw in the fact that they lost 4/5 starters on the offensive line and it’s not a stretch to see Tech winning this game again this season. The Tech-Clemson game last year was the second-best-coached game of CPJ’s Georgia Tech career (the best being his lone win over Georgia three years ago). And Virginia Tech is indeed a notoriously slow-starting team, wven losing to ECU and James Madison early on in recent years. They have more talent than the Jackets, particularly on defense, and the game is in Blacksburg, but if the Yellow Jackets can pull a rabbit out of the hat in the season opener, it could be a special season on the Flats. I’d still favor the Hokies in this contest, but not by much–and CPJ will have all summer to get ready for them. So, in summary, I think the most likely record for Tech is 8-4, but 9-3 is very doable–and if they win the two big road games (a stretch, but possible), an 11-1 record and an ACC title would not be out of the question.
Georgia has, admittedly, the easiest nonconference schedule in recent memory. If you throw in the easiest SEC schedule in the conference and a boatload of returning starters on an elite defense, as well as the return of all of the playmakers on offense (and the addition of top-drawer depth at running back) and you can see why most folks are predicting a banner year in Athens.
The keys are going to be to address the special teams issues (and they were legion last season) and to develop an offensive line. Both are recognized as priorities by CMR. The OL development is more about chemistry and quality depth, as there is certainly no lack of talent there. The defense should be quite special–the Dawgs actually return more total tackles than any other team in college football, and the depth there has been shored up in the off-season.
Game by game:
Sure wins (5): Buffalo, FAU, UK. Ole Miss, Georgia Southern
Probable wins (5): Missouri, Vandy, UT, Auburn, Ga Tech
Tossups(2): Florida, South Carolina
As I’ve said earlier, I think the matchups in the Georgia-Georgia Tech game favor the Dawgs in a big way–but the rivalry aspect gives the Jackets a hair’s-breadth of a chance. Auburn matches up very poorly with Georgia (see 45-7 last season), and while the addition of Brian van Gorder will eventually their terrible defense, it won’t be enough this season–particularly with the mediocre QB play that will continue to be an issue on the Plains. Vandy will have the Bulldogs’ undivided attention after last season’s near-disaster in Nashville–and the post-game theatrics between James Franklin and Todd Grantham after last year’s win will add a little spice to that mix this year. Tennessee will be mediocre again this season–half-decent but one-dimensional on offense if Bray stays healthy, decent but not spectacular on defense–plus, there are a plethora of off-the-field issues with the Vols, and the game is in Athens. I see the Dawgs winning this game in what could well be Derek Dooley’s last game in his home town as the UT head coach. And the Missouri game, despite all of the hype as the Tigers’ first SEC tilt, looks like a Georgia win going away. Their QB (the other James Franklin in the league) had off-season surgery on his throwing shoulder, their starting tailback will likely miss the season with a knee injury, and their defense–which wasn’t very good last year, particularly in the secondary–lost its three best defensive linemen. If Georgia loses this game it will be because they self-destruct, not because Missouri beats them. Given that the Dawgs will have all summer to prepare (the only prior game will be the glorified scrimmage against Buffalo), I simply don’t see that happening.
And so we reach the Big Two.
The Florida Gators were simply awful offensively last season. Thankfully for them, the Charlie Weis experiment is over. There are loads of talent in Gainesville–but not at QB or at running back, which will still handcuff the offense this season. Defensively, they will be solid, but not at the level of LSU, Bama, South Carolina…or Georgia. I don’t see the Gators putting up many points against this Georgia defense, so on paper, this should be a Georgia win. I rate it as a tossup only because of the Florida monkey on Georgia’s back. The Gators will be 8-4 or 9-3 next season–but I don’t think one of those wins will be against the Dawgs.
South Carolina will probably be favored against Georgia in Columbia. Talent-wise, last year’s Gamecock team was better (particularly on defense), and the losses of WR Alshon Jeffery and DC Ellis Johnson cannot be underestimated.Still, the Gamecocks will probably be undefeated when they face a Georgia team that will be determined to avenge the loss in Athens last season–a game that the Dawgs simply gave away. In addition, barring injury, the Dawgs should be back at full strength for this game–and Spurrier will not have all summer to prepare for them like he has in past seasons. In my estimation, the Dawgs should win this game–but it will be a war. Interestingly, even if Georgia loses, the Gamecocks have to play at Florida, at LSU and at home against Arkansas. The odds of them winning all three of those games are slim–which is why Bradley has Georgia pegged to play in the SECCG even if though he has their lone loss to South Carolina. I would place the likelihood of Georgia playing in the SECCG as the East rep at someplace around 70%, with the Gamecocks having a 20% likelihood, Florida at 5% (they also play LSU) and all others collectively at 5%.
In the SECCG, I think the Dawgs will play an unbeaten LSU team–again. And I think they will be ready this time. The butterflies will be gone, and the Bayou Bengals lost several key players on defense from last season. The Dawgs shut the Tigers down for a half last season, but couldn’t get over the hump. I suspect that will not be the case this year by game 13.
That’s my take. Completely unbiased, as always.
tim
June 2nd, 2012
7:19 am
Normally I laugh at your homer choice of Georgia all the time. However this year I am inclined to agree with you not that my opinion matters. A couple points however, I think the Dawgs will stumble at least once but not to Carolina, it will be to someone they should not loose to. As for my Gators 9-3 giving them way to much love,defense will be good that being said the QB position still up in the air neither one makes you stop and go WOW. Wide Reciever LOL we don’t have any,RB I will take a wait and see attitude.
just sayin
June 2nd, 2012
7:38 am
Georgia couldn’t beat Michigan State. How are they supposed to win a national championship?
More Hype....Must Be UGA
June 2nd, 2012
7:58 am
Another season, same hype. How many years do we have to endure the “this is the year” about the Dawgs chances. To say that the Dawgs win the SEC says that the Dawgs play in the national championship game which has not happened in uh 32 years! Remember all the Top 5 recruiting classes that have flopped. Richt is still in Athens but in their court is Gators and Vols don’t have great coaches either. However, the Gamecocks do have a great coach. Dawgs lose in Missouri to set the stage for their season which will once again disappoint. Outback Bowl awaits!
More Hype....Must Be UGA
June 2nd, 2012
8:00 am
And Sugar is falling from the sky and pigs fly….More Dawg hype.
richard whiskey
June 2nd, 2012
8:05 am
sorry pathetic schedule greg mcgarity has cooked up,most of these games are not even worth watching,am glad i did’nt waste my money on season tickets
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
June 2nd, 2012
8:06 am
No team with Mike Bobo calling plays will ever reach its potential.
falcon for life and Georgia sucks
June 2nd, 2012
8:41 am
Mark, Georgia plays 3 who cares teams, Georgia Southern teams.
Brian D Hypes
June 2nd, 2012
8:45 am
Since we’re wishing, UGA v. WVU Mountaineers for The National Title
35 yr season ticket holder, BUT
June 2nd, 2012
9:41 am
Big fan of Richt, huge Grantham fan and Bobo ……say what you will, his O averages 30+ pts a game.
32years is a long time. I’ll be ready for it, but believe it when I see it.
RambleOn84
June 2nd, 2012
9:44 am
I think both predictions are realistic and pretty likely.
Tech will be much improved and winning the ACC shouldn’t be too tough provided we get past VPISU.
Georgie’s team will also be improved and should be more than good enough to get through its relatively weak SEC schedule unscathed. Beating LSU/Alabama in the Dome will be difficult for sure, but I think they can do it.
Arby
June 2nd, 2012
9:44 am
Georgia will have a tough time going 11-1. I think more like 8-4. They will have problems with Missouri, SC, Florida and Auburn. Auburn will have a better Defensive Coordinator. Remember Vangorder and his buddy Martinez ? Florida will be better. Not having commings at Corner will hurt Georgia against Missouri, not mention inexperienced O-line. SC will probably straightup whip Georgia. I want to believe Georgia comes out and bets missouri, it would be a world ot comfidence.