Week One: Buffalo versus Georgia

Buffalo at Georgia: This is a game between the #6 ranked team in the nation, SEC power Georgia, and MAC squad Buffalo. The Buffalo Bulls went 3-9 in 2011 with wins over Stony Brook, Akron, and MAC runner-up Ohio. Georgia pulled out another 10-win season in 2011 but started and ended badly with 2-game losing streaks to start and end the season.

Offense: The Georgia Bulldogs were the 39th ranked offense in the country in 2011 with an average of 408 yards per game. The Bulldogs are usually a very good running team but struggled compared to previous seasons with 164 yards per game and a 3.9 yards average. The Bulldogs scored 15 rushing touchdowns in 14 games. The Bulldog passing attack was the backbone of the offense with 244 yards in the air per game to go along with an impressive 37 touchdown passes. Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray also threw 14 interceptions on the season. Georgia scored 32.0 points per game last fall ranking them at 33rd nationally. The Buffalo Bulls were down in 2011 on offense with the 80th ranked offense in the nation only putting in 365 yards per game on the season. The Bulls had a solid rushing attack in 2011 with 145 yards on the ground per game and a 4.3 yards per carry average. Buffalo backs found the end zone 21 times in 12 games last fall. The Buffalo Bull passing offense was the weak link in 2011 putting up 210 yards in the air but only 12 touchdown passes and 9 interceptions. Those passing numbers could not sufficiently supplement a running game that needed some help. Buffalo only scored 22.2 points per game ranking the Bulls in the bottom 25 nationally in scoring offense. EDGE: Georgia

Defense: The Georgia Bulldogs were the 5th ranked team on defense in 2011 only giving up 277 yards per game last fall. The Bulldogs were stingy on run defense with a measly 101 yards allowed per game and 16 touchdowns on the season. Opponents were only able to muster 3.2 yards per carry last fall. The Bulldog pass defense was the 10th best in the nation with only 176 yards per game allowed in the air last fall giving up 12 touchdowns but securing 20 interceptions on the season. Georgia gave up 20.6 points per game in 2011. Buffalo struggled on defense in 2011 giving up 384 yards per game on the season ranking the Bulls 63rd nationally. The Buffalo run defense was generous giving up 181 yards per game and a 4.3 yards per carry average. Opponents were able to find the end zone 21 times versus the Buffalo run defense. The passing defense for Buffalo only gave up 203 yards but 25 touchdowns and only interceptions on the season. Buffalo gave up 29.4 points per game ranking them 83rd nationally in scoring defense. EDGE: Georgia

Coaching: Mark Richt is the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs and is entering his 12th season as the Bulldog head coach. Richt started coaching in 1985 with Florida State. Richt followed Florida State with a stint at East Carolina before returning to Florida State and finally at Georgia. The Georgia job is Richt's first head coaching job and Richt has a 106-38 overall record with five top 10 finishes. Jeff Quinn is the head coach of the Buffalo Bulls and is entering his third year with the program. Quinn started coaching in 1984 at Depauw before heading to Ohio Northern, Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, and Cincinnati before ending up at Buffalo. Quinn coached two games as an interim coach at both Central Michigan and Cincinnati during bowl games. In his two previous seasons at Buffalo, Quinn is 5-19 with a 3-13 conference record. EDGE: Georgia

The two programs have never played previously.

Buffalo is coming off of 2-10 and 2-9 seasons in 2010 and 2011. Things have not went well for the Bulls in the last couple of seasons but the Bulls are trying to turn things around. Buffalo will not be able to turn things around this fall in the season opener versus Georgia. The Bulldogs are expected to compete for a national title this fall and bring a gaudy #6 preseason ranking into the 2012 season. If the Bulls can hold on and make things competitive for at least a half, that would be a moral victory. Expect Buffalo to fall behind early and lose big versus the incredibly strong passing game and top 10 defense.