Georgia Bulldogs
SEC
The high powered Bulldogs roared into the 2012 season reeling off five straight victories, then were knocked down hard by South Carolina in an ugly defeat. After this loss however, Georgia rebounded and reestablished themselves as one of the premier teams in the nation, not losing again during the regular season and earning a bid to go toe to toe with the mighty Crimson Tide in the SEC championship game. This was the first time Georgia had earned the right to play in the conference championship since 2003, but their loss to Alabama in the title game leaves the Bulldogs disappointed.
2012 Record: 11-2, 7-1
Coach: Mark Richt
Coach Bowl Record: 7-4
Big Wins: 10/27 Florida (17-9), 11/3 Mississippi (37-10)
Bad Losses: 10/6 at South Carolina (7-35), 12/1 vs Alabama (28-32)
Strengths:
This Georgia team is a bit peculiar, not really dominating in any one category on offense, ranking in the top 40 in both rushing offense and passing offense respectively. However, this team can score with the best of them, averaging an impressive 38 points per game, 17th in the nation in the regular season. This stat is far more important than yards gained, so the Bulldog offense is one to be taken seriously. They are able to create big plays or march up and down the field methodically, giving whatever the defense is willing. They boast a balanced attack lead by one of the most prolific passers in SEC history, junior Andy Murray. He is the most efficient quarterback in the nation, throwing for over 3,000 yards, 30 touchdowns, and throwing just seven interceptions while completing a razor sharp 66.6 percent of his passes. His ability to lead this offense is the reason the Bulldogs have accomplished so much on the offensive side of the ball this season. Additionally, the Bulldogs own of the best defensive units in the nation, surrendering just over 17 points per game, while limiting opposing offenses to less than 340 yards of total offense, 22nd best in the nation.
Weaknesses:
Georgia does a good job masking their weaknesses, but this team struggles defending the run. Some of this can be due to their great pass defense and opponents taking free rushing yards late in the game when Georgia is taking away the big play to preserve the win, or teams trying to pound the ball to get their pass defense to tighten and open up passing lanes. However, teams have found running lanes against the unit. Opponents have gashed the Bulldogs for over 160 yards per game on the ground. The Bulldogs also have their shortcomings on special teams, giving up many big plays in the return game. They have a net punting average of just over 36 yards, 79th in the nation. Their punt return unit is also one of the worst, averaging just over six yards per return which ranks them 84th in the nation. Their special teams’ struggles make it more difficult on the defense to stop opponents from scoring and puts more stress on the offense as it lengthens the field, making it far more difficult to score.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Todd Gurley, RB, 1,260 yards
Passing: Aaron Murray, QB, 3,466 yards
Receiving: Tavarres King, WR, 846 yards
Tackles: Alec Ogletree, LB, 98
Sacks: Jarvis Jones, LB, 12.5
Interceptions: Sanders Commings, CB, 3; Bacarri Rambo, S, 3
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 190.08 (39th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 273.58 (35, 4)
Total Offense: 463.67 (24, 3)
Scoring Offense: 38.00 (17, 3)
Rushing Defense: 163.42 (67, 11)
Pass Defense: 174.42 (9, 2)
Total Defense: 337.83 (22, 6)
Scoring Defense: 17.67 (16, 5)
Turnover Margin: 0.75 (19, 5)
Sacks: 2.00 (60, 10)
Sacks Allowed: 1.83 (56, 5)
Recent Bowl Appearances:
2011 Outback Bowl Michigan State (30-33)
2010 Liberty Bowl UCF (6-10)
2009 Independence Bowl Texas A&M (44-20)
2008 Capital One Bowl Michigan State (24-12)
2007 Sugar Bowl Hawaii (41-10)
*all team stats through 11/24
