Georgia’s postgame celebration of its dominating win over Louisville in the Belk Bowl was a subdued one. Though decisive (37-14) and cathartic (Todd Grantham), the achievement fell several mileposts short of where the Bulldogs had their sights set. Almost immediately, the talk turned to what might’ve been.
Whatever the outcome of the 2015 season might be, it’s doubtful that disappointment or surprise will be any part of it. The reality is, with a quarterback change, some coaching staff turnover and a more challenging schedule, nobody seems sure what to expect.
But there is reason for optimism. Fourteen starters return from a 10-win team, including some of the Bulldogs’ bigger playmakers on offense and defense. If Georgia can limit its adversity to bunny hills rather than mountainous peaks, it could find itself back in the mix in the SEC East.
2014 record: 10-3 overall, 6-2 SEC
Key players returning: Offensive tackle John Theus, guard Greg Pyke, tight end Jeb Blazevich, wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell, tailback Nick Chubb, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins, defensive back Dominick Sanders and place-kicker Marshall Morgan.
Key players who left: Center David Andrews, tailback Todd Gurley, quarterback Hutson Mason, receivers Michael Bennett and Chris Conley, inside linebackers Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson, cornerback Damian Swann and defensive lineman Ray Drew. (Although not a player, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is a key loss).
Old reliables: Georgia's new offensive coordinator, whoever that might be, has a very strong nucleus around which to build. Chubb is coming off a freshman season of more than 1,500 yards rushing and has Sony Michel and Keith Marshall returning as backfield mates, and they'll all run behind four returning starters on the offensive line, two front-line tight ends and a big, versatile fullback in Quayvon Hicks. Mitchell's decision to forgo the NFL draft assures some playmaking ability outside. All that should make all the smoother the transition to the new quarterback, whether it's Brice Ramsey, Faton Bauta or Jacob Park.
On defense, Georgia looks to be strong on the edges and in the back end. The decisions of Jenkins and Floyd to return as for another season were huge toward assuring the ability to pressure the passer, and Sanders and Quincy Mauger are experienced safeties at this point. But it’s up front and in the middle where the Dogs are going to have to make up ground, and that was a real Achilles heel in 2014.
Who may emerge: Georgia is in desperate need of a talent infusion at cornerback and is recruiting accordingly. However, one of their best prospects may already be on the roster. Shattle Fenteng turned heads as a junior college transfer this past season, but had to redshirt after a shoulder injury early in preseason camp. He should be able to compete, or at least, participate in spring practice. Rising juniors Reggie Carter and Tim Kimbrough are the heirs apparent at inside linebacker, where the Bulldogs are losing 400 tackles over the past two seasons.
Ramsey won the backup quarterback job, but he’ll have to fend off Bauta and Park, the intriguing redshirt freshman-to be, during spring ball. Nevertheless, the quarterback competition probably will continue well into preseason camp. And rising senior Hunter Long and rising sophomore Isaiah Wynn will face off to see who becomes Andrews’ successor at center.
Spring dates: March 16-April 11 (G-Day game).
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