Georgia Bulldogs Football: Will The Bulldogs Cover?...Who Will Shine Against Louisiana?

The beginning of the college football season began with a bang last night as one ranked team fell (Pitt)—unceremoniously—and another unranked one made a case for why they, maybe, should have been (South Carolina).

As we edge closer to the Georgia Bulldogs first official game of the year (12:21 EST on ESPN3), just a few final thoughts on the season opening match-up against the Louisiana Cajuns.

Georgia needs to come out ready to play this Saturday. There is already plenty of buzz going the way of South Carolina as Steve Spurrier took his offensive playcalling to old heights Thursday night—pummeling the Southern Miss Golden Eagles 41-13.

In doing so, he sent a strong message to both the national media and the SEC east that his team is  ready to compete for a title this season.

True freshmen, Ace Sanders and Marcus Lattimore, look like they will be key contributors this season as the Gamecocks offense looked more balanced in the run game than they have been in years past. Also, despite the absence of 2009 standouts, Clifton Geathers and Eric Norwood, the Gamecock's defense did a fairly decent job of keeping the Eagles from accomplishing anything they wanted to—by ground or air.

That said, it will be up to Georgia to do something big against the Cajuns to show that they too are ready to reclaim a spot at the top.

Murray won't have the luxury of Hutson Mason to spell him (a la Connor Shaw for Stephen Garcia), so he will need to be poised and ready every step of the way.  He should make few, if any, major mistakes against this Cajuns defense.

So, who will shine on Saturday:

1. Georgia Bulldog wide receivers

If Green is out, then you have to look at Brown or Rantavious Wooten. It doesn't matter who it is, the Bulldog receivers match-up well against the undersized Cajuns secondary.

2. Carlton Thomas, RB

It would be easier to pick Caleb King, but many expect him to take the load for Georgia in Ealey's absence. It's far more likely that this will be the game to see what Thomas can do as well. Look for him to get some space against a Cajuns front that isn't nearly as aggressive as a unit and is often prone to giving up huge yards on the ground. 

3. Justin Houston, LB

Chris Masson will see a lot of Sanford Field on Saturday—unfortunately he'll be on the ground when he does. Look for Houston to make life hectic for Masson who will be working behind a less experienced offensive line. 

4. Orson Charles, TE

It wouldn't surprise to see Orson get in the end zone a couple times on Saturday with some big catches that turn into big gains. The conservative play of the Cajuns secondary leaves a lot of holes in the middle of the field and often leads to receivers being able to get behind the defensive backs—Charles and White will take advantage.

5. The Georgia offensive line

The defensive front of Louisiana houses a couple of playmakers, Grant Fleming for one, but not enough to disrupt the passing game of the Bulldogs. Expect the offensive line to dominate from the snap and control the line of scrimmage for the entirety of the game.

Will Georgia cover?
The Bulldogs are notorious for being awful against the spread but, this game more than other, they need to come out and make a solid statement about what they're made of this season. The fans won't be okay with them just winning this game, they will need to do it in convincing fashion and Mark Richt will likely oblige their request.

Georgia will cover the -25.5 and, hopefully, head into Columbia with some solid momentum for their first SEC match-up of the year.