Upcoming Game: Oklahoma State

Much like in 2007, the state of Oklahoma or should I say Oklahoma State believes that they are going to walk over Georgia in the opening game of the season. As a true Georgia fan, I believe that there is no way in hell that will happen. However I am willing to back up my thoughts with a few facts that play in Georgia's favor.

Oklahoma State Defense:

Oklahoma State lost 5 members of their starting defense from last year, not to bad til you consider where those 5 were lost. They are losing both DT's , that means that a non existent pass rush ( Ranked 105th in Sacks last season) just got worse. They also lost 4 members of their secondary, including a CB, and 3 safeties in their 2 deep ( both starters and a back up). Now a team that horrendous in Pass Defense last year(110th) also just got worse.

Oklahoma State Offense:

This should be Oklahoma States strong suit, they return most of their skill players from last year, including Zach Robinson(QB), Kendall Hunter(RB) and Dez Bryant(WR). However they have no proven second WR to take the pressure off of Bryant, they have also lost multiple receivers this off-season do to off the field problems and transfers. Now for the losses, they lose a NFL bound TE, no true replacements have emerged for him, as both replacements are young. The biggest loss that I see are from the offensive line, they lose both there Center and one OG.

My Take:

Now, as bad a Georgia's defense was last year, and we all agree that we were terrible on defense, we would have still been the best defense that Oklahoma State would have faced. Texas(55th) was the closest ranked defense from a BCS conference opponent, compared to Georgia (22nd). Texas held them to 24 points. What I expect from Georgia is strong pressure from our front 4, especially from Owens and Atkins. The loss of OSU's TE and 2 offensive linemen in the middle make this a highly likely scenario. I also believe that Dez Bryant will be a non factor unless a true secondary receiving threat emerges, as we will be able to double him and limit his touches. As long as our LB's and DL can control the rushing attack of Hunter and Zach Robinson it will be a long day for the Cowpokes.

Offensively, Georgia has a few question marks with the loss of 2 first round draft picks in Stafford and Moreno. However both positions will be operating behind a deep and talented offensive line, with most of the 2 deep having starting experience. I am fairly certain that we will be okay at the QB position with 5th year senior Joe Cox running the offense. However I am worried about the RB position. I expect to see Georgia returning to RB by committee, with Carlton Thomas being the most exciting RB in the bunch. Early I expect Georgia to run it up the middle a lot, taking advantage of the 2 new defensive tackles for Oklahoma State and making use of our strong suit (our offensive line). Once the safeties and LB's start to cheat up toward the line to contain the running game, expect AJ Green to go wild and the young secondary of Oklahoma State to wilt from the pressure of covering him.

Way to Early Final Score prediction:

Georgia wins 35-14