Georgia Football: 5 reasons why the Bulldogs will be contenders in 2017

Georgia football is heading into year two with Kirby Smart and here’s why the Bulldogs will be top SEC contenders in 2017.

The Georgia Bulldogs have underachieved in recent years, but there are compelling reasons to believe the team has a legitimate chance to win the SEC East this season. Whether or not the team could win the SEC outright remains to be seen—the East hasn’t won since 2008.

Georgia and Florida appear to be the strongest East teams from a defensive standpoint. Florida has won the last three contests in the rivalry. Obviously, if Georgia wants to win the East, beating Florida would be a big step in that direction.

Georgia has several strategic advantages over Florida and other SEC East opponents: a superior running back stable, a strong-armed quarterback, plenty of experience returning and a more favorable schedule.

Truthfully, Georgia’s offensive line is worrisome enough to hold the team back from winning the East.

Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason has a chance to develop into one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks this season, but he needs better play from his offensive line. For Eason to show off his arm strength, he needs time to throw the ball. Conversely, he will need to settle for passes to his check down receivers more instead of favoring the home run ball.

Let’s take a closer look at the five reasons why Georgia will be a contender in 2017.