Georgia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws a pass during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 13-7. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws a pass during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 13-7. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 12: Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly leads his team onto the field before the start of their game against Army in a NCAA college football game at the Alamodome on November 12, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – NOVEMBER 12: Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly leads his team onto the field before the start of their game against Army in a NCAA college football game at the Alamodome on November 12, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

This could turn out to be one of the best games of the young season. Both teams are coming off years that didn’t go as well as expected, Notre Dame in particular (have you heard that they went 4-8?), and will be anxious to prove to a national audience that they’re ready to start contending for national titles once again.

The Irish weren’t nearly as bad as their record would indicate last season, and they’re one of the few teams on the Bulldogs’ schedule that can match them for athleticism up front. Notre Dame’s got an impressive offensive line, and while they’ll be breaking in a new quarterback, blue-chipper Brandon Wimbush should be ready to hit the ground running.

We’ll say that Notre Dame is able to contain the boom-or-bust UGA running attack early, but Jacob Eason plays one of the best games of his young career and puts the Dawgs ahead late. But alas, that Touchdown Jesus magic strikes: Wimbush will lead the Irish on a last-minute drive that results in a game-winning field goal, breaking Georgia hearts.

This will, of course, result in the media and college football fans everywhere hyping up the Irish, pegging them for a spot in the playoff and declaring Wimbush the Heideman front-runner. Notre Dame will go 7-5.

Final Score: Notre Dame 30, Georgia 27 (1-1)