Georgia fans, like Alabama fans, have renewed enthusiasm that a new head coach (in Georgia’s case, Mark Richt) can right a ship crippled by lack of direction and discipline. Potential problems on both lines of scrimmage might derail the Bulldogs’ hopes before the season is over, however.

It’s hard to say what a new coach will run, but the base set is a standard two-back, two-receiver formation. Expect Richt to lean on his experience as Florida State offensive coordinator, which would mean a controlled passing game. Georgia’s offensive weakness, however, could be quarterback – not good for the health of a passing game.

QUARTERBACKS

Cory Phillips is largely an unknown quantity. Although the former walk-on threw for 1,093 yards and completed 56.3 percent of his passes, his effectiveness was uneven. Richt has worked with immobile quarterbacks before, which helps in this case considering Phillips isn’t going to win any sprint contests. Strong-armed freshman David Greene is neck-and-neck with Phillips at this point and the final verdict might not come down until the first snap of the opener against Arkansas State. Phillips is probably more effective as a backup, where he would not be overexposed – but he has a decided edge in experience. Signee D.J. Shockley is the long-term solution.

RUNNING BACKS

Musa Smith and Jasper Sanks are virtually interchangeable, and either could line up at fullback or halfback. Georgia had one of the most disappointing running games in the SEC last year – 8^th in the conference, 72^nd in the NCAA – especially considering the wealth of talent the team possesses. Both Smith and Sanks need to stay healthy first and foremost. Verron Haynes provides depth at fullback.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Terrance Edwards is dangerous, but has never really put together the dominating type of year of which he is capable. LaBrone Mitchell and Damian Gary are superb complementary players, each made better by Edwards’ presence. Reggie Brown might have more talent than any of them, but needs to grow into his role. Tight end Randy McMichael was the third leading receiver on the team in 2000 despite not being a starter. Duke transfer Ben Watson will back him up.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This group worries the coaches, particularly the left side. The right side is solid with returning starters Kevin Breedlove and Jon Stinchcomb, but those two could swap sides depending on the quality of pass protection and which quarterback is in the game; Phillips is a righty, Greene a lefty. Center Curt McGill is back, but the other guard and tackle positions – tentatively Alex Jackson at guard and George Foster at tackle – are suspect. Additionally, Georgia has depth issues across the entire front, leading to Chris Hewitt coming over from defense.

Gone is defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, who led his charges to a second-place ranking in scoring defense in the SEC. New coordinator Brian VanGorder must rebuild the defensive line first and foremost, but he might also have the conference’s best secondary at his disposal.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The problems start upfront, where the loss of tackles Marcus Stroud and Richard Seymour mean a terrific challenge for the players still left. Johnathan Sullivan and David Jacobs held the slots at the end of spring, but depth is thin and there is no room for injuries. The defensive end positions are in better sorts, with Charles Grant, Bruce Adrine, Terin Smith and Josh Mallard – who together boast 11 varsity letters – returning. The only problem is that none are able to move inside and provide help at tackle should it be needed. Stopping the run will be much more difficult for Georgia this year.

LINEBACKERS

Fortunately, Georgia has some playmakers backing up their shaky line. Will Witherspoon, Boss Bailey and Tony Gilbert are first-rate, and reserves Ryan Fleming and Adrian Hollingshead would start for most programs. Sophomore Chris Clemons is a budding star.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Depending on how well the players handle the reshuffling, Georgia could find itself atop the conference in this category. Cornerback Tim Wansley could be the best in the country at his position, although he’ll need some help from his counterpart. Jamie Henderson graduated, leaving converted tailback Bruce Thornton to compete with Dantra Clements, Brandon Williams and Decory Bryant for the job. Fortunately, the safeties cover much better than most, although Terreal Bierria could stand to be a little more consistent. Jermaine Phillips and Cap Burnett return, and both have played significant minutes. Freshman Sean Jones is one to watch.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Punter Jonathan Kilgo is among the tops in his trade. Placekicker Billy Bennett went from walk-on to weapon in 2000, converting 13 of 14 field goals and 24 of 26 extra points. If Bennett and Kilgo can keep it up, Richt should have no worries in his kicking game. Special teams coverage, however, could be improved. Damian Gary is an able return man.

With as many holes as Georgia has on the two lines of scrimmage, things will get dicey this year, particularly against more physical teams. But in terms of raw athleticism, Georgia should be one of the best in the league. The greatest unknown is Mark Richt; he has never been a head coach and the SEC can be particularly brutal on the inexperienced. There is also the "Brad Scott Factor," referring to the stigma surrounding another ex-FSU coach who took his first job with an SEC school, South Carolina. But Scott was overconfident in his abilities, offered too many scholarships to borderline prospects and never got out of the starting gate. For all his faults, former Bulldog coach Jim Donnan left Richt with a full cupboard of players. The challenge now is to unite them.