North Texas @ Georgia preview

While several teams eased their way into the 2013 season, No. 10 Georgia decided to test itself right out of the gate with a pair of top-10 opponents. After splitting those two contests, the Bulldogs get a well-deserved step away from top-level competition when they host North Texas on Saturday. The Mean Green displayed a strong offense in their first three games but are taking a big step forward in competition against Georgia.

The Bulldogs dive straight back into the deep end next week against LSU but hope to get some things straightened out against North Texas, particularly on the defensive side. Georgia surrendered a total of 68 points in its first two contests after allowing an average of less than 20 in 2012. Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray is helping to cover up the deficiencies on the other side of the ball by completing 71.2 percent of his passes.

TV: 12:21 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Georgia -32.5.

ABOUT NORTH TEXAS (2-1): The Mean Green battled back from a 27-9 second-quarter deficit to earn a 34-27 win over Ball State last week behind a pounding running attack that churned out 231 yards. Quarterback Derek Thompson is part of that running game and led North Texas to 1,395 yards of total offense - the most for the school in its first three games since 1951. The Mean Green are getting plenty of help from their defense, which forced 11 turnovers in the first three contests.

ABOUT GEORGIA (1-1, 1-0 SEC): The Bulldogs remade much of their defense in the offseason and believe they once again can return to an elite level on that side of the ball. “A lot of it is just fundamentally doing a better job of taking better angles as we tackle,” coach Mark Richt said, “wrapping up better and hustling to the ball better.” While the defense gets settled, the offense has the ability to keep the team in the win column behind Murray, who threw for four touchdowns in a 41-30 victory over South Carolina on Sept. 7, and running back Todd Gurley.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Georgia is looking for its 42nd straight home win against a non-conference opponent.

2. The Mean Green have lost 34 straight games against ranked teams, dating back to 1974.

3. Murray needs one touchdown pass to reach 100 for his career.

PREDICTION: Georgia 55, North Texas 10