Georgia Football: Expectations for the 2017 season.
The Georgia Football season is about to start. So what are my expectations for the 2017 team?
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Projected Win total:
9-3 regular season. In my earlier predictors, I said 10-2. However, I’m actually worried the East is going to be tougher than people think. I can see us dropping a game we probably shouldn’t to someone like SC or Tennessee and having a 6-2 SEC record. I do believe however that Georgia Football takes back the SEC East this year with that record.
Rivalry wins:
Florida, Georgia Tech. I think the Auburn game is going to be tough this year seeing as it’s away and they should have a functional QB. But winning against Florida is what really matters. Get that win and then blow out Tech and last years losses will soon be forgotten.
Offensive Player of the Year:
Nick Chubb. I think a lot of people are sleeping on Chubb. I’ve barely seen him mentioned anywhere in terms of top players in the SEC. Last year, he wasn’t quite the same player after his injury. This year, I expect him to be back to his best. He came back to improve his draft stock and more importantly, to cement his legacy at this school.
Defensive Player of the Year:
Roquan Smith. Easiest prediction of the bunch. Smith screams best player on the field whenever you watch him play. Rumor has it that he looks even better this year in camp. This defense is stacked and there are several players who are just as talented as Smith. But for me, he’s the clear cut favorite and could end up as an All-American.
Offensive Freshman of the Year:
Andrew Thomas. If he does start week 1 (and it looks like he will), he’s going to make an impact. The line was so bad last year and by the end of the year, I don’t think he’ll be the only freshman starting. He will however be the first of the new blood and that wins my vote.
Defensive Freshman of the Year:
Walter Grant. The 2017 class was loaded, particularly in the secondary. However, Grant has been a player I’ve been high on since I 1st watched his tape. He’s someone I think is going to come in at OLB and make some splash plays this year. If he can make it all the way to the QB and bring in a few sacks, he’ll be a name we talk a lot more about next year.
Player I’m most excited to watch:
Mecole Hardman. To be honest, I’m excited to see a lot of guys, which is why I’m so excited for this season. Sony Michel and Chubb are two of my favorite ever dawgs and the defense should be loaded. But Hardman has that ‘IT’ factor for me. He’s just a different kind of athlete and I can’t wait to see him get the ball in his hand. There’s a tonne of hype around him right now, but I really think he might be worth it.
Biggest Fear:
The O-Line falls apart. A few things could derail this season. Injuries are always a concern. Jacob Eason could regress. The WR’s might not emerge or the defense might be overrated. All of those are possible, but the O-Line is the one that’s most realistic. It was terrible last year and needs to significantly improve for Georgia to have a good year. I’m hopeful that it will, but if my hope is misplaced, this could be a very long season.
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Conclusion:
Overall, I think 2017 will be a successful year for the bulldogs. 9 wins and an SEC East title is nothing to snark at and is a step in the right direction. If we can be competitive against what should be a loaded Alabama team in Atlanta, then a New Years 6 bowl game should await. It will be very much deserved.