2007 Georgia Bulldogs Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
Now check out our 2008 Georgia Bulldogs Football Predictions
Mathew Stafford was in a four-way battle for playing time at the quarterback position last season. Now is comes into 2007 as the undisputed starter with a completely different mindset. He had to earn his respect last season and now that he has accomplished that feat, it is time for Stafford to become the leader of this team. Stafford threw 13 interceptions last season, but just one pick in his last 3 wins over Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. This should be a big confidence booster as he gets ready for SEC action in 2007.
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The Bulldogs are deep in skill position players with a trio of talented running backs, a veteran group of receivers and an emerging tight end in Tripp Chandler. Coach Mark Richt said of his fullback Brannan Southerland, “I can’t imagine there being a better fullback in the United States of America.” Senior Kregg Lumpkin appears fully recovered from a knee surgery after leading his team in rushing with 798 yards last season. Thomas Brown, another senior, is supposedly recovered from a torn ACL injury and should combine well with Brown in the backfield. The most exciting runner is redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno.
Moreno lived up to the hype in spring practice by rushing for two scores in the spring game and making defenders miss on several runs. Sean Bailey’s return from a knee surgery gives the Bulldogs depth at the receiver position. Much depends on the rebuilt offensive line as to whether the Bulldogs can make a run to the top of the SEC conference once again. Center Fernando Velasco and right tackle Chester Adams are the only returning starters. Both of these big men starter at guard last year.
The Bulldog defense is the biggest question mark for Georgia football in 2007. Tackle Jeff Owens is the only returning full-time starter on the front seven. He is definitely good at what he does though. After compiling 19 quarterback pressures last season, he gets tagged as one of the premier linemen in the SEC conference. The Bulldogs do have great speed at linebacker and bulk in the middle of the line. Brandon Miller started five games at outside linebacker last season, filling in for injured starters. He will move to the middle linebacker position this year.
Darius Dewberry pushed Dannal Ellerbe, who had a less than outstanding spring at weakside linebacker. Redshirt freshman Akeem Dent could start on the strong side. The Bulldogs strong suit will be in their secondary. They have experience in senior Kelin Johnson and C.J. Byrd who are thunderous hitters at the safety spots. Reshad Jones is a redshirt freshman and a big-time playmaker that has to be on the field. The Bulldogs have four proven cornerbacks. Paul Oliver leads the way and had two key fourth-quarter interceptions against Mississippi and Georgia Tech. He helped hold Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson to two catches. Asher Allen played well as a true freshman last year as well.
Georgia should bounce back as a Top 10 contender with a great recruiting effort. The Bulldogs will have to have many things go their way to win the tough SEC East though. This is a young team that could be a year away from winning the SEC and competing for a national title. If the offense can be more productive after finishing 90 th in Total Offense last year, it will go a long way in trying to produce a 9-10 win season. The defense will be strong against the pass after finishing 5th in passing defense last year, giving up just 150 yards per game through the air. Their ability to stop the run will be crucial to the Bulldogs’ overall success as well.
