Scouting the opponent: Georgia

Georgia limped to a 8-5 season in Kirby Smart’s first year at the helm in the Classic City.

The Bulldogs had a couple Top 25 wins over North Carolina and Auburn, but their inconsistent play also led to bad losses against Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech.

This year, Georgia is the preseason favorite to win the SEC East, as the Bulldogs return 10 starters on defense, as well as the dynamic duo at tailback of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. They also added a Top 3 recruiting class to the roster.

THE SKINNY ON UGA’S OFFENSE

In a word: Blah.

Georgia’s offense wasn’t very good, imaginative or productive in 2016.

Youth certainly played a factor, as a young quarterback and an inexperienced offense line struggled to ever find its footing. Jacob Eason has limitless potential, but the sophomore gunslinger completed just 55 percent of his passes as a freshman. He did finish the year with a 2:1 touchdown to interception ratio (16-8) though and is poised to take a leap in Year 2 as he continues to build continuity with sophomore playmakers Issac Nauta, Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman.

The Dawgs will have to replace Isaiah McKenzie — one of the most explosive slot receivers and returners in the country in 2016.

The surprising return of both Chubb and Michel is expected to help boost an offense that finished No. 87 nationally in yards per game. The Dawgs will also look to incorporate freshman tailback D’Andre Swift into the mix.

Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney has indicated plans of scheming the attack a bit differently in 2017, featuring more pistol sets or spread formations to help Eason and the offensive line.

Ultimately, Georgia’s offensive success will come down to the improvements by the OL. Left tackle Isaiah Wynn is an All-SEC candidate, but UGA could be forced to rely on a freshman at right tackle, with either 5-star Isiah Wilson or U.S. Army All-American Andrew Thomas manning the spot.

THE SKINNY ON UGA’S DEFENSE

Under coordinator Mel Tucker, Georgia finished last season ranked No. 16 nationally in total defense — No. 3 in the SEC. Overall, the unit got progressively better as the season went along.

With only graduate transfer Maurice Smith departed, UGA returns 10 starters, including star defensive tackle Trent Thompson, linebacker Roquan Smith, rusher Lorenzo Carter and safety Dominick Sanders.

The Bulldogs’ front-seven has a chance to be among the best in the conference, as Thompson is considered a future first-round pick, while Smith, Carter, Natrez Patrick and Davin Bellamy are all future pros who have played a lot the last two seasons. The group must be better forcing TFLs, but overall, the upside of the front-seven is strong.

UGA's secondary isn’t star-laden but it features several blue-collar defensive backs (Sanders, Malkom Parrish, Aaron Davis) who have started multiple games the last two seasons. Blue-chip freshman Deangelo Gibbs and Richard LeCounte III are expected to compete for playing time, as well.

Georgia was really good at forcing turnovers in 2016, finishing second only to Alabama in takeaways (27). However, if the Bulldogs hope to seriously compete for an SEC title, they’ll need to really improve their situational defense. UGA was decent at third down defense (36.7 percent) but was terrible in the red zone (No. 13 in the SEC).

ONE MAN’S EARLY TAKE

After a disappointing 2016 season, Georgia is looking to bounce back with a trip to Atlanta this fall. It could all come down to how the offensive line improves.

The defense should be stout, and could emerge as one of the saltier units nationally if gets to the quarterback more.

Jacob Eason must be steadier, but he needs help, and that’s where it all circles back to the offensive line. If the OL is serviceable, UGA is the favorite to get to Atlanta. If it’s not, the window definitely opens up for Tennessee or Florida.

The Bulldogs also have a tough schedule this fall, with ESPN ranking it No. 2 nationally. They’ll play road games at Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Tennessee and Auburn — the latter two which could have a big impact on the SEC East race.

In terms of the UT-UGA showdown in late September, the Vols have a recent edge in the series, winning the last two games against the Dawgs. Both have been wild shootouts, with Tennessee making big comebacks each time.

Last year’s ‘DobbNail Boot’ will go down as one of the most memorable finishes in college football history, and Tennessee will look to continue its winning streak in its second conference game this fall.