9 Georgia
Plenty of off-season tumult in Athens, but that won't matter come crunch time
The Skinny
AT THE end of last season, in which they went 10--4 and won the SEC East, the Bulldogs had to feel good about their prospects for 2012. Ten starters from a unit that ranked fifth nationally in total defense would be returning, and running back Isaiah Crowell, an SEC all-freshman performer, would provide balance to an offense led by quarterback Aaron Murray. But in the off-season Crowell was dismissed from the team after his arrest on felony weapons charges, and four members of the defense—including All-America safety Bacarri Rambo—either have been or are expected to be suspended for multiple games to start the season. The potential for a great season still exists, but so does the possibility of a down one.
Key Recruit
JOSH HARVEY-CLEMONS Richt went to great lengths—and to church—to nab the Valdosta, Ga., product who could help out the depleted D at linebacker and in the secondary. The 6'5" 207-pounder could also see action as a red zone receiver.
Breakout Player
KEN MALCOME The team's fifth-leading rusher in 2011 could benefit the most from the departures of Crowell and second-leading rusher Carlton Thomas, who transferred. Malcome, a 6-foot, 224-pound redshirt sophomore, is a power runner who was named the most improved offensive player in spring practice.
Final Analysis
THE DEFENSIVE suspensions will hurt. With the longest expected to be four games, there is no guaranteee that the Dawgs will get to their Game 6 SEC East showdown at South Carolina unscathed, the big test being a Week 2 matchup against Missouri under the lights at Faurot Field. The offense, too, will require time to hit its stride. Murray has plenty of able targets, but the key to the group's success—and the season—hinges on finding a replacement for Crowell. Without a running game to keep defenses honest, Georgia's pass-happy O can only take the team so far—though the absence of LSU and Alabama from the schedule helps.
THE VITALS
Coach Mark Richt (12th year)
106--38 (62--30 SEC)
2011 Record 10--4 (7--1, 1st in SEC East)
Final AP Rank 19
Returning Starters Offense 6, Defense 10
2011 STATS
Total Offense (FBS Rank) 408.5 YPG (39)
Rushing Offense 164.0 YPG (49)
Passing Offense 244.5 YPG (48)
Total Defense 277.2 YPG (5)
Rushing Defense 101.2 YPG (11)
Passing Defense 176.0 YPG (10)
TELLING NUMBER 59
Career TD passes for junior Aaron Murray, the most in a two-year period in school history and just 13 shy of the Georgia record, held by David Greene.
TOP PLAYERS
Offense
QB Aaron Murray
Jr. 6'1", 211 pounds
3,149 YDs, 35 TDs
WR Malcolm Mitchell
Soph. 6'1", 184 pounds
45 RECs, 665 yards
WR Tavarres King
Sr. 6'1", 192 pounds
47 RECs, 705 YDs
Defense
LB Jarvis Jones
Jr. 6'3", 241 pounds
70 tackles, 13½ sacks
FS Bacarri Rambo
Sr. 6'0", 218 pounds
55 tackles, 8 ints
NG John Jenkins
Sr. 6'3", 351 pounds
28 tackles
Special Teams
PK Marshall Morgan
Fr. 6'3", 201 pounds
59-yard FG in HS
PHOTO
SIMON BRUTY (MURRAY)
Murray will have a large load to hoist early in the season, but he'll have help—four of his top five receivers are back.
PHOTO
KIM KLEMENT/US PRESSWIRE (MALCOME)
PHOTO
GREG MCWILLIAMS/ICON SMI
In his first season at Georgia, USC transfer Jones was a revelation, starting all 14 games and leading the SEC in sacks. He won't surprise anyone this year: He's anchoring the D on SI's 2012 Preseason All-America team. Turn the page for the rest of the squad.