Week One Predictions for the SEC

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Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

#18 Georgia (-3) over #22 North Carolina, Saturday 5:30 PM (ET), Georgia Dome- Atlanta, Georgia

Unfortunately, Kirby Smart doesn’t have the luxury of starting his tenure at Georgia with an easy game. North Carolina is fresh off a surprise 11 win season and an appearance in the ACC title game. They won’t take much of a step back this year as they return a lot of the talent on both sides of the ball from last year’s team, including star running back Elijah Hood. However, the Tar Heels must replace Marquise Williams which could prove to be the difference in this game.

Georgia also faces questions at quarterback, but Smart has studied at the school of Nick Saban and won’t put too much pressure on whoever wins the QB battle. The Bulldogs are slightly more talented on offense with Terry Godwin poised to have a breakout season. If Nick Chubb and Sony Michel are healthy, the Bulldogs should be able to grind their way to low scoring win in what is essentially a home game for Georgia.

Prediction: Georgia 24, North Carolina 17

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