Georgia Football: Davis’ 2017 Season Predictions

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 30: Georgia football running back Nick Chubb (#27) breaks away from Terell Floyd (#19) of the Louisville Cardinals during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 30: Georgia football running back Nick Chubb (#27) breaks away from Terell Floyd (#19) of the Louisville Cardinals during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Everyone seems to have a prediction for how the Georgia football team will do in 2017. What are my expectations?

Related Story: Check out more season predictions.

Projected Win Total:

10-2 regular season record. I believe the Dawgs will make improve massively over last season’s disappointing 7-5 regular season record by getting 10 wins in Kirby Smart’s second year in Athens. I predict that both losses will come from SEC opponents. The most likely candidates for those losses will be Auburn and Florida, although there’s a possibility the team could drop a game it shouldn’t to a team like Mississippi State or Kentucky. Nonetheless, a 10-2 record with a 6-2 record in SEC will be good enough to give the Dawgs their first SEC East championship and a trip to Atlanta since 2012.

Rivalry wins:

I think the Dawgs will stomp Georgia Tech this year. The crushing loss at home last year to Tech was one of the factors that motivated Nick Chubb to return for his senior season. I expect Georgia to return to its typical level of dominance over the Yellow Jackets this season. As I mentioned earlier, there is a good chance Georgia loses to Auburn this year. However, Georgia has owned Auburn as of late, winning 11 of the last 15 games in the Deep South’s oldest rivalry. Florida has had Georgia’s number in recent years despite the Dawgs clearly having the advantage on paper. A win over Florida could be huge for Kirby Smart in year number 2. I see a win over Florida more likely this season than a win over Auburn.

Offensive MVP:

Nick Chubb. Nick Chubb is going to shock the college football world this year. The critics who say he’s not the same player that he once was or that we’ve already seen the best of Nick Chubb will be sadly mistaken in 2017. Chubb, Georgia’s 2nd leading rusher in program history only behind Herschel Walker, surprised some when he decided to return for his senior season in lieu of declaring for the NFL draft. With running backs Sony Michel, Brian Herrien, and D’Andre Swift expected to be more involved in Georgia’s passing game this year, expect #27 to get a heavy dose of carried in 2017. Chubb actually has a chance to surpass Herschel Walker’s all-time Georgia rushing record this season. If that were to happen, not only would Chubb be Georgia’s offensive MVP, but he may hear his name called at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in December.

Defensive MVP:

Dominick Sanders. Sanders, who also decided to put his NFL future on hold by returning for his senior season, has been one of Georgia’s most consistent and productive players over the last few seasons. Sanders provides experience and leadership in Georgia’s secondary and he has a knack for finding the football. If Sanders can keep up the production he’s had the past few seasons, he could very well leave Georgia as its all-time leader in interceptions. This pick may surprise some people. But I believe teams will try to attack Georgia with the pass a lot this season. It will be up to players like Sanders to prevent teams from having success in doing that.

Offensive & Defensive Freshman of the Year:

Andrew Thomas (Offense) and Richard LeCounte III (Defense). Thomas is likely going to be Georgia’s starting right tackle this season as a true freshman. That feat alone proves this kid can play. I believe Thomas will be a key piece in a much improved offensive line for the Dawgs this year. LeCounte has been getting some 1st-team reps at safety since Malkom Parrish went down with a foot injury a week or so ago. LeCounte will probably be the freshman with the most defensive snaps played when the season is said and done. I believe that opportunity for playing time combined with his impressive skill set will make him an easy choice for Georgia’s defensive freshman of the year.

Player to Watch:

Ahkil Crumpton. Crumpton, who hasn’t even been with the team for a month, has been turning heads in practice and fall camp with his dynamic quickness, speed, and hands. He transferred from junior college late in the summer and has immediately made his impact on the team. Crumpton’s specialty is returning kicks and punts, but he has shown in practice that his skills as a receiver are very impressive as well. He wears number 16 and has a very similar build to Isaiah McKenzie. Many fans hope he can help fill the void left by McKenzie’s departure to the NFL. Crumtpon appears to be well on his way to making an immediate impact on special teams and offense for the Dawgs in 2017.

Major Concern:

Health. While this is a concern every team has, it should be a particular one for Georgia fans. The secondary has already experienced an injury with Malkom Parrish and Kirby Smart has indicated there is not much-experienced depth at any of the secondary positions. The health of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel will also be key to the Dawgs having a successful year. Both running backs have a history of injuries and have not been healthy at the same time for many games in their careers. Coaches and fans alike hope that these players who decided to come back for their senior seasons can have an injury free year that will keep their NFL dreams intact. If the Dawgs remain relatively healthy this season, it could be a special year in Athens.

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Conclusion:

Georgia football takes a major step forward in 2017. While that may not include a College Football Playoff Berth or SEC Championship, it will certainly show fans, recruits, and the college football world that Kirby Smart is indeed building something special in Athens. The Dawgs begin the 2017 season this Saturday against Appalachian State at 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.