Georgia Football: 5 reasons Jacob Eason should start at quarterback in 2016

3. Smart won’t want Dawg Nation to turn on him

Dawg Nation embraces one of their own like most fan bases do. Smart isn’t brand new to Athens, as he did serve on Richt’s staff in 2005, as well as played his college ball for Jim Donnan in the 1990s as a defensive back.

While the Georgia faithful largely approved of the hiring of Smart by athletic director Greg McGarity, if Lambert or even Ramsey struggles at quarterback in the first third of the 2016 NCAA season for the Bulldogs, the honeymoon period in Athens for Smart could be abruptly over.

Though Lambert and Ramsey have more experience playing college football than does the true freshman Eason, all three quarterbacks are on the same level in learning new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney’s offense. Being on equal footing in the class with Chaney’s schemes makes this competition all the more interesting.

Do expect Eason to play in just about every game even if he doesn’t win the starting job right away in 2016. However, Lambert and Ramsey will be on incredibly short leashes from the Georgia fan base. At the first signs of struggle, Dawg Nation will clamor for Eason to get the opportunity to start.

Smart may inevitably have to give into their demands, especially if the Bulldogs’ first four games go over poorly. Smart will be in his first year as head coach and doesn’t have the credibility to stick with a starting quarterback the way Richt did for years.

Next: 2. Georgia offense will need to step up to contend.