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The hype surrounding the dawgs heading into the 2008 season has already reached a fever pitch in the month of June.  That being said I am of the belief that the Dawgs are actually flying under the radar, which is where I prefer we remain.  Let me qualify this by saying that though we are anticipating a top three ranking, and many of the major media outlets are posting stories on the boys in the silver britches, on the whole the media seems to be downplaying the quality of Georgia's team.  I mean every article I see that mentions the dawgs talks about the brutal upcoming season, or is centered around how much Stafford needs to improve.  We even have been replaced in the ESPN preseason rankings from 1 to 2 by the Buckeyes, and I am definitely not going there.  It almost seems like the media was obligated to mention the Dawgs in the potential championship conversation after the finish last season and the way they were snubbed, and at the same time find some justification for dismissing them in favor of more of a media darling.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Georgia ranked 5 in the official preseason polls.  That said, its just the way we want it; a top five start would probably be enough with this team.

Of greater concern to the Bulldawg nation, is the unjury to Fullback Brannan Southerland.  This guy has been a machine for the dawgs for the past couple of years, both scoring touchdowns (led team with ten last year), and clearing huge holes for the running backs.  While it may be true that to Knowshon is to love Shon, I'm sure that Moreno loves him some Southerland and does not want him out for the first five weeks of the season.  While we are deep (Chapas and Munzenmeier: backup fullbacks), Munzenmeier is suspended for the first game.  So we'll see right off the bat, how solid and physical the depth is on this team.  My guess is that we will pretty much just reload, but that we will need the big man back by the time the toothless hillbillies invade Athens (Hide the women, goats, and whiskey).  This all being said with Moreno and King in the backfield Georgia's running game should be awesome.

 Another question for the dawgs is just who will comprise the receiving corp this season.  I know that we all want to see A.J. Green, or Tavarres King out there as soon and as productive as possible.  I predict, and somebody come back at me if you agree or disagree, that this is the yaer that we see Mohammed Massaquoi live up to his potential.  I think he is going to be a monster slot presence and Stafford's primary possession receiver this season.  Look for him to be huge blocking downfield also.  I think Demiko Goodman and Kris Durham will show something, and also don't be surprised if you see backup QB Logan Gray involved on offense.  The coaching staff is impressed with his athleticism and want to find a way to get him on the field.  Just don't count on them taking Stafford off the field to do it.  All said this is going to be a different group from the past year and there are some questions that will have to be answered.  However I am certain that if Massaquoi can show some leadership and hunger, we will be just fine and working on our tans in Miami this January.