Cousin Walter at Football on the Brain has an excellent (as usual) post that looks at the Dawgs prospects for 2010. If one starts with the assumption that the defense will be improved, which he does, then a 10 win season seems entirely possible.
The schedule, the potential of having an effective running game, an experienced offensive line, a receiving corp that is now not only talented but experienced as well, and a new defensive coaching staff eager to prove its worth are strong reasons to be at least a little bit optimistic instead of crapping yourself and running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. Plus, 10 starters returning on offense and 6 on defense.
Let say that the defense can average around 20 points per game. In 2009 the Dawgs gave up 31.5 points per game against conference opponents and 17 ppg against non-conference foes. The schedule alone should allow UGA to cut those scoring defense numbers even without substantial improvement in the defense. I believe, however, that the defense will be improved and the 20 ppg goal is attainable.
What to make of the offense for 2010. Yes, the Dawgs will open with an inexperienced QB again but what other big question marks are there for the offense? Offensive fire-power is experienced and in place. Offensive line play should be as good as we have seen in some time. Aaron Murray, the likely QB starter, will have 2 spring and 2 summer sessions by fall. He is talented and should be ready. However, with a softer schedule and an improved defense all he needs to do is matched last years production (28.9 ppg).
Murray: We have an unbelievable offense for next season. You look at the offensive line; we have, like, seven or eight [players with starting experience]. The skill positions are unbelievable. It’s not going to be all on your shoulders. We have a great running game, two great young running backs. With that offensive line, we should put up some great numbers on the running game. So I really don’t feel that whoever wins the [QB] job is going to really have that much pressure on them because it’s a balanced attack. It’s not going to be like we’re going to go out there and throw the ball 40 times a game. We’re going to be able to hand the ball to our running backs most of the game and let them do the work. And with our great offensive line, I think we can make some big plays in the running game and let us do some play-action. That’s when you’re going to hit A.J. [Green] deep down the field.
