It's about that time of year. First, we are more than halfway to Christmas. (Start shopping, folks.)
Second, it's time for me to make terribly inaccurate predictions about Georgia's football season. (Don't worry, I'll grade myself at the end.)
I was close (but not close, simultaneously) in 2016, and pretty much spot-on in 2015.
This year might be a little more clear than last year, when the Dogs were breaking in a new coaching staff, quarterback and sense of mediocrity.
But, things like injuries and Hail Mary's always pop up to ruin even the most accurate of predictions.
Let's hop into the crystal ball anyway, shall we?
SEP 2, GEORGIA VS. APPALACHIAN STATE
Although everyone has the next game on this list circled on their calendars, the opener against the Mountaineers should have you very worried. They very nearly knocked off Tennessee to open last year's 10-3 campaign, and they'll be hungry for a signature win. Don't be surprised if this one goes down to the wire. Dogs win, but not by much. A late touchdown makes this look a little better than the game notes might indicate. Georgia 27, App State 17
SEP 9, GEORGIA @ NOTRE DAME
Ah, the world's most expensive road trip. No, I'm not making it, unless I win some sort of give-away. (I can be bribed, if you're wondering.) Anyway, when it comes to football, I'm not overly confident in this one. Sure, the Fighting Irish are breaking in a new quarterback this year, but last year they were substantially better than their 4-8 record. If you thought Georgia's season was full of heart break, consider this: Notre Dame went 1-7 in one-possession games. For reference, the Bulldogs went 4-2. Yikes, indeed. The Irish return plenty of talent, and — just a hunch, and nothing more — I suspect they win this one by forcing a few bad throws from Jacob Eason. The chants for Jake Fromm will begin. Notre Dame 34, Georgia 24
SEP 16, GEORGIA VS. SAMFORD
One obvious prediction you can take to the bank: This game will kickoff at noon. (Now prepare for an 8 p.m. start.) The Dogs will work out some kinks, but otherwise take care of business in a hot afternoon of ho-hum football. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel score two touchdowns apiece. We get our first views of Fromm, if he doesn't redshirt. Georgia scores 40 points for the first time since Sep. 26, 2015, when it beat Southern 48-6. I know, that's depressing. Let's move on. Georgia 45, Samford 17
SEP 23, GEORGIA VS. MISSISSIPPI STATE
This game has "trap" written all over it. The "other" Bulldogs return arguably the most dynamic quarterback in the SEC in sophomore Nick Fizgerald. Scramblers (which Fitzgerald just so happens to be) gave Kirby Smart's/Mel Tucker's defense all kinds of headaches last year, and Fitzgerald might be better than any of the ones Georgia faced in 2016. The red and black Bulldogs win, but only by a hair. Chubb has a big game. Georgia 34, Mississippi State 27
SEP 30, GEORGIA AT TENNESSEE
Everybody protect your ACL's, the Neyland turf is upon us. I suspect the Vols will not be very good this year. They'll be good enough for the usual 8-4-type season, perhaps nipping one of the "big boys" but also inexplicably losing to someone terrible. Looking at you, Vandy. For the first time since 2014, a healthy Chubb, paired with the quick Michel, gashes the Tennessee defense. I'm calling it: Chubb breaks 200 yards. Eason has his revenge. Dogs win. Vols still don't win the East. Georgia 31, Tennessee 17
OCT 7, GEORGIA AT VANDERBILT
After last year's embarassment, this game definitely isn't a "gimme." Plus it's in Nashville, where strange things can happen. Like targeting calls. The Commode-doors should have yet another talented defense, and this game will likely be a low-scoring slug fest. I suspect it takes a late field goal to put it out of reach, and a turnover to totally seal it. Georgia 20, Vanderbilt 10
OCT 14, GEORGIA VS. MISSOURI
This one could be trouble. The Tigers may well have the best offense in the SEC, and if they can find even a moderately productive defense (and limit turnovers), look out. They can hang with the best of 'em. Here's my guess. Mizzou keeps the Bulldogs on the ropes throughout most of the game, but Eason keeps the offense chugging just enough to pull away at the end. Georgia 35, Missouri 28
OCT 28, GEORGIA VS. FLORIDA (JACKSONVILLE)
Until I see otherwise, here is what I assume will happen. The Gators, regardless of talent-level, will play their best game of the season, and knock off the Bulldogs in Jacksonville. Eason throws three interceptions, and the running game gets shutdown. The Georgia defense hangs tough, but ultimately shows just enough cracks for Florida to take advantage. Florida 23, Georgia 13
NOV 4, GEORGIA VS. SOUTH CAROLINA
Here's another "don't sleep on..." game, though I tend to doubt that the Gamecocks will live up to the limited hype they're getting for 2017. There are a few pieces, sure, like Jake Bentley and Deebo Samuel, but the talent just isn't there yet for Will Muschamp. The Bulldogs win this one in a bit of a clunker. Nothing too flashy, but they take care of business. Chubb runs for 150 yards and Eason bounces back from the Cocktail party with three scoring strikes. Georgia 31, South Carolina 20
NOV 11, GEORGIA AT AUBURN
Here are my two predictions about Auburn, and this game. 1. The Tigers won't be national title contenders, even though their transfer quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, is being hailed as a saviour. (This has "Jeremy Johnson" written all over it.) 2. Auburn will still win this game, thanks to their defense, which is extremely underrated this year. Eason struggles in a rowdy night game environment on the road. Auburn 28, Georgia 16
NOV 18, GEORGIA VS. KENTUCKY
Don't be shocked if the Wildcats are pretty good this year. (No, not good enough to win the SEC East, Brent Musberger, but good enough to win seven or eight games.) I suspect this game plays out very much like last year's meeting in Lexington. It'll stay pretty close throughout, but the Bulldogs' running game gets things crankin' in the fourth quarter, allowing for a Georgia escape. Georgia 31, Kentucky 21
NOV 25, GEORGIA AT GEORGIA TECH
I honestly have no idea what to make of the Yellow Jackets this year. Heck, I can never really predict them any year. It seems every time you think they'll go 6-6, they win the ACC. And every time you think they'll be a contender, they go 6-6. So I give up. Total shot in the dark, with absolutely no justification for it: Georgia wins a close one. Michel has a big game. Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 28
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By my count, I've got the Dogs going 9-3. I'm not planning any trips to Atlanta with that kind of record, but perhaps they'll surprise me.
