The Georgia Bulldogs finished the 2016 season 8-5 and 2nd in SEC East.
While they notched key wins over North Carolina, South Carolina and Auburn, their losses included a barn-burner against Tennessee; an offensive misstep at Jacksonville against the Gators; and a shocking flub at home against state rival Georgia Tech.
The team returns offensive starters Jacob Eason, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Still, Vegas doesn't appear sold on Kirby Smart's prospects in 2017.
The early lines for these five Georgia games has the Bulldogs as underdogs in four contests:
Sept. 9 @ Notre Dame
Credit: Ronald Cortes
Credit: Ronald Cortes
Georgia at Notre Dame (-3)
The Irish went 4-8 last year. Brian Kelly enters 2017 with new offensive and defensive coordinators and revamped roster.
Sept. 30 @ Tennessee
Georgia at Tennessee (-1)
Butch Jones enters his fifth season at Tennessee coming off back-to-back wins over Georgia. The Bulldogs are still reeling from Hail Mary that gave the Volunteers their most improbable comeback in Athens.
Oct. 28 vs. Florida
Georgia vs. Florida (-1), at Jacksonville
The Gators have won 21 of the last 27 meetings between the two team. Florida have won back-to-back SEC East Division championships.
Nov. 11 @ Auburn
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
Georgia at Auburn (-10)
The Bulldogs held the Tigers to 32 yards with no first downs in the second half. Hype is building up to the matchup of Eason vs. Jarrett Stidham.
Nov. 25 vs. Georgia Tech
Credit: Hyosub Shin
Credit: Hyosub Shin
Georgia (-2.5) at Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have beaten the Bulldogs twice in the last three years. "Not bad for a bunch of 80th-ranked recruiting classes," coach Paul Johnson quipped last season.
About the Author
