I would think the buzz in Athens has to be more optimistic than this time last year. With a year under his belt, quarterback Matthew Stafford will step on the field with more intangibles. As a true freshman, the ability put on display by No. 7 is coveted by coaches all over the country (Just watch the video and notice how much of a homer the announcer is). At running back, watch out for Knowshon Moreno. The New Jersey product is the future of Georgia's backfield and he's legit (he and fellow freshman Caleb King will do damage for years to come).
So why ranked No. 21? Well, look no further than the passing attack. In order for the Bulldogs to build on last year, the passing offense has to be ranked higher than No. 79, as it was in '06. Last year's leading receiver was the starting tight end with 30 catches and he's since graduated. Although Stafford should be better, Georgia is replacing almost the entire offensive line. Considering that receiving stat from last year, it almost makes you wish high school senior A.J. Green was already in Athens (think next Calvin Johnson). But, since Green is a year out, guys like Sean Bailey and Mohamed Massaquoi really have to step it up.
Where the Bulldogs consistently cash in is on defense (see the second half of last year's Peach Bowl comeback win). The school has had a Top 20 unit dating back to the 2002 season and I'm expecting much of the same from this year's defense. Guys like C.J. Byrd, Brandon Miller and Roderick Battle are pieces any defense would love to have as a cornerstone. The Dawgs must jump out the gate running - they host Oklahoma State to start the season followed by South Carolina a week later. Georgia needs to be thinking 10 wins and a trip to the Cotton Bowl this season as a springboard to get them in the 2008 title hunt.
Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Brandon Miller
80s theme song: "Back on Chain Gang" - The Pretenders (1984) ... I think it's safe to say Georgia's inching towards getting "back in the fight ... back on the train ... back on the chain gang."
Save the date: Sept. 22 at Alabama
25. Boston College; 24. UCLA; 23. Hawaii; 22. Florida State