Fall camp has begun and the optimism and expectations for the 2018 edition of the Mean Machine in Red & Black is at it’s highest in recent memory. This team is loaded with talent on each side of the ball making bold predictions not to hard to come by. Here are my bold predictions for the 2018 season!
#10 – Georgia Scores 50+ Points Four Times
In 2017, the Dawgs only put 50 points on the board once, in the Rose Bowl, and it took two overtimes for the Dawgs to hit that mark. With home games against opponents like Austin Peay, Middle Tennesee State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Massachusetts along with a potential shootout against Missouri these Dawgs will put points on the board.
#9 – Dawgs Dominate Gators Again
The Dawgs 42-7 victory in Jacksonville last season was the largest margin of victory by the Dawgs since 1982 when Herschel Walker led UGA to a 44-0 victory. Georgia has now won 4 of the last 7 and another blowout victory would officially turn the tide of this series which until recently had been lopsided in favor of the Gators over the last 20 years.
#8 – Dawgs Average 6.5 Yards Per Carry
In 2017 Georgia averaged 5.8 yards every time they rushed the football which is very impressive. It get’s even better in 2018 with the Dawgs averaging 6.5 yards per carry. With a bevy of talented backs running behind Pittman’s Great Wall of Georgia the Dawgs will routinely gash opponents for big play after big play on the ground.
#7 – Dawgs Finish Top 10 in Scoring Offense and Scoring Defense
In 2017, the Georgia finished the season ranked 6thin scoring defense and 20thin scoring offense. Despite significant losses on the defensive side of the ball this offseason the Dawgs continue to perform well and the offense will be more explosive than any UGA offense in recent memory.
#6 – Dawgs Have 3 Running Backs Hit 800+ Yards
The Dawgs are absolutely loaded in the backfield which will allow them to rotate and stay fresh all game long. I believe D’Andre Swift and Zamir White will both easily surpass 800 yards and either James Cook, Brian Herrien or Elijah Holyfield will join them in the 800+ yard club.
#5 – Jake Fromm Invited to New York
Despite a wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball for the Dawgs, Jake Fromm is the leader and the face of this offense. His numbers will not be spectacular but they will be solid and in conjunction with a team that is competing for a National Championship it will be enough to get him the invite to New York.
#4 – Richard LeCounte Leads SEC in Interceptions
In Kirby Smart’s defense, great safety play is invaluable and often rewarded by the opportunity to make plays. LeCounte is the most talented cover safety the Bulldogs have had in recent memory and will be asked to play center field on Saturdays. With his range and knack for being in the right place at the right time look for LeCounte to have a monster year.
#3 – Justin Fields Passes for 750, Runs for 350 and Scores 8 TD’s
Jake Fromm is going to be the starting quarterback for the Dawgs all season barring injury. However, Fields is going to play a significant role for this team in some key moments. Also, with a schedule that will undoubtedly lead to several blowouts look for fields to see a significant number of snaps and put up some impressive numbers.
#2 – Demetris Robertson Leads Team in Receiving
I don’t have any inside information but it appears that Robertson has a very good chance of being ruled eligible by the NCAA. If declared eligible Robertson is an instant impact stud who can elevate the UGA offense from very good to elite. Robertson reminds me of young DeSean Jackson who can take the top off the defense any time he wants. The Dawgs will spread the ball around but DRob will quickly become a favorite target for Fromm and Fields.
#1 – UGA and Alabama Meet in SEC Championship Game Undefeated
Both UGA and Alabama have favorable schedules this season. The Dawgs have two road tests at South Carolina and at LSU while Alabama also has to make to the trip to LSU followed by a battle with the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa. Both Georgia and Alabama get to play their toughest regular season opponent, Auburn, at home. The schedule sets up for the Dawgs and Tide to continue to build their budding rivalry by meeting in Atlanta undefeated for a rematch of the 2018 National Championship.