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Georgia Football: TaxSlayer Bowl Predictions

By John Richardson

Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) celebrates while waving the Georgia flag after their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) celebrates while waving the Georgia flag after their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time since 2001, the Georgia football team enters a game without Mark Richt as their coach.  Will the team respond positively and defeat a game Penn State team in the TaxSlayer Bowl?

The Georgia football team enters 2016 with an air of uncertainty that has not been around the program in ages.  Mark Richt coached the program since 2001 and never missed a bowl.  He also reached double digit wins 9 times, won two SEC titles and played in 4 SEC Championships.

It is amazing what will get you fired in college football these days.

Georgia football fans became disgruntled with Richt’s performances over the last few years, beginning with Richt’s only losing season (6-7) in 2010.  Richt failed to capture an SEC Championship after that point and Georgia football has moved on.

I, for one, wonder what would have happened had Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb not been lost in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

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Regardless, the Georgia Bulldogs have a shot at another double digit win season as they face Penn State in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

How can the Georgia football team kick 2016 off right?  How can they fail to reach that prestigious double digit win mark?

How Georgia can win:  Georgia will need to rely on their strong defense to shut down Penn State’s offense.  That should not be a problem, as Penn State has done nothing to show they can perform against a solid defense.  They scored more than 16 only once in their 5 losses, and that was only 21.  If Georgia’s defense shows up ready to play, the Bulldogs should be able to win a close game.

Related:  SEC Football Fans Pick the Bowl Games

How Georgia can lose:  Although Georgia defense was largely consistent throughout 2015, the same cannot be said for their offense.  Once the Bulldogs lost Nick Chubb, the offense seemed lost on a weekly basis.  If the same offense that needed overtime to defeat Georgia Southern shows up in Jacksonville, the Bulldogs could be in for a long day.

Predictions:

John:  I think the Bulldog defense will power Georgia to a close victory.  Their offense has been inept, to put it kindly, or I think this game could turn into a blowout.  Penn State has done nothing to make me believe they can score on Georgia.  I’ll take Georgia 21-13.

Ben:  Georgia is playing with a chip on their shoulder after the release of head coach Mark Richt.  Unfortunately, Georgia’s quarterbacks play like they got a chip in their shoulder.  Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenburg will look to increase his draft status and I think Penn State wins 27-17.

Neal:  I’ll take the Bulldogs to win the TaxSlayer Bowl.

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