What’s not to love about supreme optimism?

It’s the best time of the year for college football fans, especially those favoring the SEC. Dreams of a national championship aren’t yet crushed and homers abound can all take a stab at guessing wins and losses on their respective team’s schedule.

‘Best Case Scenario’ Series

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

2013 record: 8-5, 5-3
2014 best case: 12-2, 7-1
Closer look: Here’s how Georgia, even after losing Aaron Murray and faced with a multitude of questions in the secondary, gets to 12 wins this season: Take care of business in the regular season, overcoming a single hiccup at South Carolina or against Auburn, then win the bowl game following a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship. That’s as good as it’s going to get for one of the perceived Eastern Division’s elites who hasn’t won a conference title since 2005. Overcoming recent road woes at South Carolina is the biggest test early in the season, but if the Bulldogs can get to November unscathed, Georgia’s stretch run will be an exciting one.
Silver lining: Equipped with Todd Gurley, the Bulldogs have the most impactful offensive player in college football at their disposal heading into the season, a 150-yard, three-touchdown threat every time he steps on the field. Georgia can overcome early inefficiency from Hutson Mason if need be thanks to Gurley’s Heisman heroics, but the Bulldogs’ fifth-year quarterback must produce at a higher rate than the game manager norm if Mark Richt’s team is league champion worthy. Questions on defense keeps Georgia from being a College Football Playoff team.