Fansided

College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering spring games

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the College Football Playoff championship trophy during the game between the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of the College Football Playoff championship trophy during the game between the Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
15 of 25
Next
Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
11

Georgia Bulldogs

2016: 8-5, SEC- East Division

Kirby Smart battled through an 8-5 season in his first year as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, but you can be certain that good times are ahead. Not only does Georgia return arguably the best running back duo in the country, but they also have an incredible battle going at the quarterback position. They could win the SEC East Division this season but will have to navigate a tough road schedule if they hope to do so.

Let’s start with the running backs, as Sony Michel and Nick Chubb are both back for the 2017 season. Both backs have the ability to run for over 1,000 yards next season, and they may have to if the Bulldogs defense struggles to make stops. At quarterback, Jacob Eason played well as a true freshman last season, but the team will also give Jake Fromm a chance to start, as he is a five-star prospect who was the No. 1 high school quarterback in the country last year.

Whoever is under center is going to have to make do with a wide receiving corps that is pretty weak. The only player with a ton of experience returning is Terry Godwin, who caught only 38 balls last season. Smart brought in the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation this past offseason, so there is a good chance you could see some dynamic freshman playing huge roles for the Bulldogs this season.

The defense was tough last season, ranking 16th in the country in total defense. Expect Julian Rochester to anchor the defensive line, while the team focuses on grinding out wins on the ground. Eventually, the Georgia Bulldogs should be a pass-first team, but if they want to win the East Division this season, it has to be a steady diet of Chubb and Michel all the way.

Home/College Football