Back before the Boise State Broncos were truly on the map as one of the elite programs in the country, they took on the Georgia Bulldogs “Between the Hedges” in an effort to really land a signature win on the road against a big time SEC opponent. They failed miserably that day, and UGA never did pay the visit back to the Smurf Turf the next season. That being said, these two are set to meet at the Georgia Dome right at the outset of the season, and it should be a tremendous doozy of a game.

Boise State Broncos @ Georgia Bulldogs Picks & Info
Boise State Broncos @ Georgia Bulldogs Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Boise State Broncos @ Georgia Bulldogs Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Boise State Broncos @ Georgia Bulldogs Spread: Georgia Bulldogs +2.5

If Boise State is going to legitimately be a National Championship contender once again this season, they are going to have to win this game and likely win it impressively. There aren’t a whole heck of a lot of bumps in the road aside from this one, but the team has never slain an SEC opponent. This is a big time road trip across the country against a tough team that badly needs some wins of its own to keep its relevant status, and this is going to be a particularly tough test for QB Kellen Moore. Moore, who is certainly on the Heisman Trophy watch list at the start of the season, knows that he is going to have to break in a full new set of skill players this year, and with this being the very first game of the season, things could be difficult. A defense which historically hasn’t played all that well against the best programs in the country could have to have a near perfect game for Boise State to pull this one off.

Boise State Broncos vs. Georgia Bulldogs Past Games (Since 1995)
2005: Georgia 48 – Boise State 13

The Bulldogs definitely have to set a tone this year if they want to keep their Head Coach, Mark Richt safe from criticism. UGA was knocked off by the UCF Knights in the Liberty Bowl last year, a game which really hurt the status of the program, and many think that Richt was lucky to keep his job. This is also going to be a huge game for QB Aaron Murray, as he tries to not only win over the Athens faithful, but to poise himself for a legitimate Heisman Trophy run this year after throwing for 3,049 yards and 24 TDs in his freshman campaign. The only question is what receiver is going to step up to replace the departed WR AJ Green, who led the team in all receiving categories last season in spite of the fact that he was suspended for four games.

Boise State Broncos @ Georgia Bulldogs Game Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 8/4/11):
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Boise State Broncos (-2.5) @ Georgia Bulldogs