Head Coach Mark Richt has managed one of the most successful college football program in the country during his 10 year tenure at Georgia, six times winning 10 or more games; however, after an 8-5 finish in 2009 and a 6-7 finish last year, many feel he may be in trouble should the Bulldogs falter in 2011.The latest 2011 College Football Predictions would suggest that a rebound is in order (the Bulldogs regular season win total is set at 8.5), but, at +300 moneyline odds, Georgia is not the favorite to win the SEC East.
Mark Richt endured his first 
losing season at Georgia in 2010 as a Liberty Bowl loss to Central Florida dropped the team's season record to an unacceptable 6-7. Despite the poor finish and the return of just 12 starters, many anticipate a Bulldogs resurgence in the always tough SEC.
Why the optimism? Most of it centers around sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray and a schedule that has Georgia hosting of its upper echelon conference opposition.
Murray threw for 3,049 yards and 24 touchdowns (eight interceptions) in earning first team freshman All American honors last season. His skill set mimics that of Matthew Stafford only Murray is far more mobile than the former No. 1 overall pick.
Aside from a horrific bowl game (21-of-38, 198 yards, two picks), Murray really progressed down the stretch, throwing nine touchdowns to zero interceptions in the Bulldogs final three regular season outings.
While the offense does lose a first round draft pick in wide receiver A.J. Green, it welcomes highly touted freshman running back Isaiah Crowell. Georgia also brings back capable pass catchers in juniors Tavarres King (WR) and Orson Charles (TE). The pair combined for a respectable 53 catches, 926 yards, and five touchdowns a season ago, but they should see a significant spike in those numbers with Green gone to the NFL.
As for the schedule, Georgia avoids Alabama and LSU altogether and it hosts its toughest league foes, the quartet of South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State, and Auburn. While there is no such thing as an easy game in the SEC, the Bulldogs draw, perhaps, the easiest road slate of any team in the conference as they travel to Mississippi, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.
The rise of Murray and the 'soft' schedule should combine to make folks in Athens, including Richt, a little bit happier this season.
2011 College Football Predictions: 9-3 Overall, 6-2 Conference, First Place SEC East
Georgia Bulldogs 2011 College Football Predictions:
Regular Season Wins: Over 8.5 Games (-110), Under 8.5 Games (-110)
SEC East Division 2011 – Odds to Win +300
2011 SEC Championship Game – Odds to Win +450
2012 BCS National Championship – Odds to Win +3000
