Ranking Georgia football opponents by toughness

4. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee finished 7-6 despite only having 70 scholarship players in 2021. That was due to their prolific offense, which gained 475 yards per game. The defense was average, having looked worse statistically thanks to the pace of play. Georgia was troubled for a quarter or two with the Vols in last year’s contest, and that sort of game looks on the cards this year.

3. Mississippi State Bulldogs

In a rarity for a Mike Leach team, this squad was known for their defense last year. Indeed, they held opponents to just 345 yards per game last season and had guys like cornerback Martin Emerson patrolling the defensive backfield. Emerson is gone, but the defense promises to remain solid. Combine that with the always outstanding passing attacks of a Mike Leach-coached team, and you have the makings of a closer-than-the-experts-think game in Starkville this year.

2. Oregon Ducks

The season opener for Georgia comes in Atlanta, as the Ducks travel to take on the Dawgs in a “neutral site” game. Former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning heads up a Ducks team that has Bo Nix at quarterback and a good defensive unit. With an AP ranking of 11 to start with, Georgia might be in for a challenge come September 3.

1. Kentucky Wildcats

Now, this may be a good game, because this ain’t your father’s Kentucky. They’ve got a top 10 pro prospect in Will Levis at quarterback, a solid running back in Chris Rodriguez (should he be with the team due to a DUI charge), and a solid defense.

Kentucky wasn’t really competitive with Georgia in last year’s contest, but this year should be a change of pace. The game is in Lexington, and the two teams are closer in talent.