UL Lafayette
7th Sun Belt3-9
Georgia
8th SEC6-6
UL Lafayette @ Georgia preview
Sanford Stadium
Coach Mark Richt and his Georgia Bulldogs find themselves in an unfamiliar position, as they kick off the 2010 season hosting
Louisiana-Lafayette.
Georgia, ranked 21st in the preseason Coaches Poll, is at its lowest ranking in the preseason since prior to the 2001 season - Richt's first in Athens.
Much of the reason for the Bulldogs' lower than normal expectations is their disappointing five-loss campaign from a year ago. Nevertheless, Georgia was
a different, much improved team the last half of 2009. The Bulldogs return their entire offensive line froma year ago, a strong running game, and superstar A.J. Green at wide receiver. Quarterback Aaron Murray, a redshirt freshman, has yet to take a collegiate snap from center but was highly touted coming out of high school. Murray won't have one of his top weapons in sophomore running back Washaun Ealey, who is suspended for the game due to an off the field incident.
Georgia's defense has been the team's Achilles heel the last two years and has given up big plays and struggled to force turnovers. In 2008 and
2009 combined, the Bulldogs forced an average of just 1.08 turnovers per game, tied for last of the 120 FBS teams. To help solve its
defensive woes, the team hired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham away from the Dallas Cowboys. Despite returning just four starters, the Bulldogs'
defense only has room for improvement.
Louisiana's Rajin' Cajuns are looking to snap a 19-game losing streak when opening up a season on the road. This will certainly be a tall order to
accomplish against Georgia in the Bulldogs' backyard. Quarterback Chris Masson completed 60 percent of his passes last year and can also tuck the
ball and run. He led the team with seven rushing touchdowns. The defense returns eight starters but that's not necessarily a good thing: In 2009, the
Rajun' Cajuns allowed 400-plus yards per game and 4.6 yards per rush or more for the third consecutive season. Georgia tailback Caleb King could be in store for a big day.
Against reputable opponents, Louisiana-Lafayette has proved it can be competitive. The Cajuns upset Kansas State last season and lost to South Carolina
in 2007. In '08, they lost to Illinois and Kansas State in by two touchdowns or less each. However, against top-notch programs - Tennessee in 2007 and LSU and Nebraska a year ago - the Ragin' Cajuns have struggled, losing by an average of 45 points.
Louisiana-Lafayette.
Georgia, ranked 21st in the preseason Coaches Poll, is at its lowest ranking in the preseason since prior to the 2001 season - Richt's first in Athens.
Much of the reason for the Bulldogs' lower than normal expectations is their disappointing five-loss campaign from a year ago. Nevertheless, Georgia was
a different, much improved team the last half of 2009. The Bulldogs return their entire offensive line froma year ago, a strong running game, and superstar A.J. Green at wide receiver. Quarterback Aaron Murray, a redshirt freshman, has yet to take a collegiate snap from center but was highly touted coming out of high school. Murray won't have one of his top weapons in sophomore running back Washaun Ealey, who is suspended for the game due to an off the field incident.
Georgia's defense has been the team's Achilles heel the last two years and has given up big plays and struggled to force turnovers. In 2008 and
2009 combined, the Bulldogs forced an average of just 1.08 turnovers per game, tied for last of the 120 FBS teams. To help solve its
defensive woes, the team hired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham away from the Dallas Cowboys. Despite returning just four starters, the Bulldogs'
defense only has room for improvement.
Louisiana's Rajin' Cajuns are looking to snap a 19-game losing streak when opening up a season on the road. This will certainly be a tall order to
accomplish against Georgia in the Bulldogs' backyard. Quarterback Chris Masson completed 60 percent of his passes last year and can also tuck the
ball and run. He led the team with seven rushing touchdowns. The defense returns eight starters but that's not necessarily a good thing: In 2009, the
Rajun' Cajuns allowed 400-plus yards per game and 4.6 yards per rush or more for the third consecutive season. Georgia tailback Caleb King could be in store for a big day.
Against reputable opponents, Louisiana-Lafayette has proved it can be competitive. The Cajuns upset Kansas State last season and lost to South Carolina
in 2007. In '08, they lost to Illinois and Kansas State in by two touchdowns or less each. However, against top-notch programs - Tennessee in 2007 and LSU and Nebraska a year ago - the Ragin' Cajuns have struggled, losing by an average of 45 points.