Despite some incredible wins early in the season,  the Georgia Bulldogs never truly took hold of their season and eventually lost four regular season games.

The Clemson Tigers piped them to the post in week one but impressive wins over no. 6 South Carolina and then no.6 LSU put them in control.  However,  when Missouri brushed them aside they lost all focus and subsequently lost to Vanderbilt.  Auburn would also hand them a defeat before they lost to Nebraska in the Gator Bowl.

Top Newcomers

Sony Michel, running back: The Bulldogs are loaded at running back and Michel will continue the bloodline once Todd Gurley leaves.  There is enough depth to justify redshirting the five-star recruit despite Gurley’s occasional injury woes but if the Florida native does get game time he will turn heads,  just like Gurley and Keith Marshall did two years ago in the SEC title game.

Lorenzo Carter, defensive end: Carter is the crown jewel in the Georgia recruitment class and could work his way into the starting line-up as a freshman.  Regarded by Rivals.com as the fourth best player in the state,  he already has the frame of a dominant player at the next level,  he just needs to add the bulk without sacrificing his tremendous speed and athleticism.

Top Returning Players

Todd Gurley, running back: Through two seasons Gurley has accumulated 2,374 yards and 27 touchdowns.  He is a monster when he gets going and can make plays with speed and power.  Injuries are a slight concern but he could enter the 2015 NFL Draft and come out the other side as a running back in the first round.  Remember when that used to happen?

Ramik Wilson, linebacker: Wilson is the leader on defense and he lets his playing do the talking.  133 total tackles with 11 for a loss,  four sacks and three passes deflected make him a menace.  He could do a little more on passing downs but his energy and relentless demeanour makes him a joy to watch.  If Georgia are to win anything in 2014,  Wilson will be a big part why.

Positional Breakdown

Quarterback: Aaron Murray under center is no more.  Instead,  Hutson Mason,  who saw playing time in a number of games towards the end of the season when Murray tore his ACL,  will lead the way in his senior year.  Sophomore Faton Bauta and freshman Brice Ramsey will back him up.

Running Back: Gurley is the number one tailback but there is more talent around him.  Marshall is tremendously skilled and Brendan Douglas also has potential.  Don’t forget Michel.

Wide Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell,  Justin Scott-Wesley,  Michael Bennett and Chris Conley are a tremendous foursome but both Mitchell and Scott-Wesley are coming off ACL injuries.

Tight End: Jay Rome and Jordan Davis will top the depth chart will top the depth chart after Arthur Lynch moved on to the NFL.

Offensive Tackle: John Theus enters his junior year and will remain at left tackle while Mark Beard makes the transition to full-time starter on the right side.

Guard: Kolton Houston is the starting right guard once more as he enters his final year of eligibility,  while Greg Pyke is a promising sophomore opposite him.

Center: David Andrews is the best offensive lineman on the team and the leader of the unit.  He has been very consistent over the last couple of years and he will help the new quarterback out copious amounts.

Defensive End: Sterling Bailey goes from one-sack to fully fledged starter with John Taylor in the same boat.  Ray Drew is also looking for plenty of playing time.

Defensive Tackle: Mike Thornton and James DeLoach have wise heads but lack meaningful playing time.  They proved they had ability in the Spring but can they take it to the field in Autumn?

Linebackers: All-SEC selection Wilson,  Leonard Floyd,  Amarlo Herrera and Jordan Jenkins make up a scintillating linebacker corps.  They bring 345 2013 tackles with them in what should be one of the best groups in the country.  All are athletic guys who can go sideline to sideline as well as get after the quarterback.

Cornerback: Damian Swann is the number one quarterback but who plays opposite is not so obvious.  Aaron Davis won the spot over the Spring but a tri of guys are on his tail for major playing time.

Safety: Corey Moore and J.J. Green are pencilled in to be the starters after Tray Matthews transferred to Auburn.  Moore brings leadership while Green can lay the wood from strong safety.   

Special Teams: All-SEC kicker Marshall Morgan will once again kick field goals while Colin Barber also returns at punter.

Biggest Strengths

The quality and depth at running back is a blessing for Georgia who will not be too tempted to air the ball out.  Despite having strong receivers,  their tailbacks are better and can win them games by pounding the rock play after play.  Gurley is a special talent and can push for a Heisman mention.

Biggest Weaknesses

Obviously losing a starting quarterback in the mould of Murray is a major loss and will not be easily overcome.  Mason is not the worst replacement in the world but he is just a stop-gap.  Should a few games take a sour turn and any major post-season hopes evaporate,  head coach Mark Richt may favour a younger arm.