Appalachian State @ Georgia preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 9, 2013 ) Appalachian State 6, Georgia 45

Georgia opens its second season under coach Kirby Smart at home Saturday against Appalachian State, and the 15th-ranked Bulldogs have plenty of returning offensive firepower to deploy on their quest to win the SEC East. Optimism is high given running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel skipped the NFL draft and returned to campus for their senior seasons, and sophomore quarterback Jacob Eason has a full year of experience as Smart looks to direct Georgia to its first conference title since 2005.

Smart acknowledged to reporters Monday there is more of a comfort level after having a year – albeit an up-and-down campaign – under his belt as he starts his second season as head coach at his alma mater. “It makes you much more comfortable coming into this season as opposed to the first one,” Smart said. Appalachian State looks to debut its season in the same fashion it did a decade ago, when the Mountaineers authored one of the biggest upsets in college football history with a stunning victory at fifth-ranked Michigan. The Mountaineers nearly toppled No. 9 Tennessee in last year’s season opener, pushing the Volunteers into overtime before falling 20-13.

TV: 6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Georgia -14.5

ABOUT APPALACHIAN STATE (2016: 10-3, 7-1 Sun Belt): The Mountaineers have won 21 games the past two seasons – including a pair of bowl victories – and return quarterback Taylor Lamb and running back Jalin Moore (1,402 yards, 10 touchdowns) behind a strong offensive line. But the Mountaineers have to replace five of the top 10 tacklers from a defense that finished last season 17th in the country in total defense. Linebacker Eric Boggs and cornerback Clifton Duck lead the returners on defense for the Mountaineers, who have won 14 of their past 16 conference contests.

ABOUT GEORGIA (2016: 8-5, 4-4 SEC): Eason became the starter in week two of his freshman season and experienced growing pains while passing for 2,430 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The biggest boost for Georgia came when Chubb (1,130 yards, eight touchdowns) and Michel (840 yards, four scores) decided to return. The Bulldogs allowed 24 points per game on defense, giving up less than 20 points only three times, but return a group of experienced playmakers fronted by defensive lineman Trenton Thompson, linebacker Davin Bellamy and safety Dominick Sanders.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Chubb and Michel combined to lead Georgia in rushing 12 times in 13 games a season ago.

2. Smart told reporters Georgia DB Malkom Parrish, who suffered a broken foot two weeks ago, may be available for the season opener.

3. Appalachian State lost only 13 turnovers last season, ranking ninth in the country.

PREDICTION: Georgia 38, Appalachian State 17