Favorites to Play in the SEC Championship
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Georgia
What Needs to go Right
First and foremost, Georgia cannot afford to lose one of the games it should not. It has nearly become a part of Georgia tradition under Mark Richt to lose a game the Bulldogs have no business losing (South Carolina and Florida last year). It is also not uncommon for Georgia to beat the eventual division winner, like last year’s 34-0 throttling of Mizzou. This year Georgia got no favors from the scheduleing gods. Richt’s Bulldogs drew Auburn (away) and Alabama (home) from the West, so they absolutely cannot afford to drop a game against a lesser foe. Georgia must also find a competent quarterback, which has rarely been a problem under Richt. This year, though, even the transfer of Greyson Lambert from Virginia has done little to put Georgia fans at ease about who will be leading their team. Last but not least, Nick Chubb has to show he can play at an elite level for a full season. Actually..that is the least of Richt’s concerns. Chubb will be fine.
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Dawn of the Dawg
What Could go Wrong
It is not hard to envision Georgia being unsettled at quarterback heading into the third game of the season and dropping a game to South Carolina. Spurrier has had Richt’s number in the past, and this could be no different. If that happens, Georgia could go from first to trouble quickly. While Georgia gets a reprieve in South Alabama coming to Athens the next week, they are followed by Alabama. If Georgia is unable to knock off South Carolina, you can also notch this game as a likely loss. That would mean after 5 games, Georgia would have already lost 2 with games at Tennesee and Auburn yet to be played. They would also still have to host Missouri and Florida. Quarterback or not, a 3-2 start knocks Georgia out of contention rather quickly.
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