Georgia needs the time and needs the tweaking before its ready to rock and roll, and unlike previous seasons, it’s going to take it easy from the start. ULM is okay, but it’s not going to be the team like the one that shocked the world to kick off the 2012 season with a win over Arkansas and followed up by fights against Auburn and Baylor. The Warhawks have a decent defense returning, but this is all about Georgia and how quickly it can get ready for the SEC opener against Vanderbilt.

Below we dive into the Georgia vs. Louisiana-Monroe prediction and full game preview. 

Georgia vs. Louisiana-Monroe Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 5
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: SEC Network

Follow me … don’t cost nothin’ @PeteFiutak

Why You Need To Care

Can Georgia keep the offensive production rolling like it did at the end of last year? The quarterback situation might have been an offseason question mark, but the running game is loaded again, the defense is going to be terrific, and there’s no reason whatsoever not to be the top team in the East. With Vanderbilt and South Carolina coming up next, this is the chance get the passing game rolling.

ULM gets its tune-up next week against Nicholls State, but then it’s right back into the SEC fun against Alabama. For now, this is a chance for the Warhawks to see just how good they can be, with a potentially decent passing game and a good secondary. It’s going to be a fight to be more than the lamb for the slaughter, but the D could end up among the best in the Sun Belt by the time the season is over.

Why Louisiana-Monroe Will Win

Is the Georgia passing game going to work? The ground attack won’t have any problems against anyone, but the quarterback situation has been a battle up until the final moments, and the receiving corps doesn’t have any truly established targets. ULM might have the best secondary in the Sun Belt with three starters back including a terrific corner tandem of Trey Caldwell and Lenzy Pipkins.

Why Georgia Will Win

The ULM offense might not go anywhere. It’s a veteran Warhawk line returning, but it’s going to have a long, long day against a pass rush that’s going to spend the season sitting on opposing quarterbacks’ heads. ULM allowed 44 sacks last season. It’s going to be in big, big trouble if Georgia turns the dogs loose – sorry about that – against a new Warhawk backfield.

Player Who Matters

Georgia FINALLY decided on a quarterback. It was supposed to be Brice Ramsey, and then Faton Bauta was supposed to be a factor, and then, when the dust settled, it was Greyson Lambert who turned out to be the surprise choice. The 6-5 transfer from Virginia has experience, and he has the arm, but he also has the penchant for throwing interceptions. There are backup options waiting in the wings – Lambert has to be sharp from the start.

What’s Going To Happen?

The ULM offense will come up with an early score, and that’ll be it. The Georgia defense will clamp down, the offense will be a machine after a few rocky drives, and it’ll be the warm-up the team needs. Lambert will look terrific.

Georgia vs. Louisiana-Monroe Prediction

Without further ado, the Georgia vs. Louisiana-Monroe prediction is …

Final Score: Georgia 42, ULM 13