By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Five reasons to like the Georgia Bulldogs heading down the home stretch.

1. They are Physical and Tough — The Bulldogs, as much as any team in college football, make a statement at the point of attack. Offensively, Georgia leads the SEC in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and yards per carry. Tackle John Theus and company have developed into one of the premier offensive lines in the country. The tone is a similar one on defense. Along with Alabama and Ole Miss, the Bulldogs are one of just three units in the league allowing less than 106 yards rushing per game and less than 3.05 yards per carry. Georgia not only has accomplished playmakers along its front seven, but sure tacklers as well. This is a team, on all fronts, with an old-school feel.

2. They Value the Football — A strong argument can be made that turnovers are the most important of all of football’s many statistics. The Bulldogs lead the nation with a +13 margin, a huge reason for their success. Only Oregon and Washington have turned the football over fewer times than Georgia as quarterback Hutson Mason and the backs and receivers have placed a high premier on possession. With both a consistent pass rush and aggressive play in the secondary, the Bulldogs have done an excellent job of forcing the issue with their opponents. Cornerback Damian Swann, three interceptions and two fumbles forced, has been a catalyst in that regard. Georgia, each week, it seems, is winning the game-within the game.

3. They Make You Earn It — So far this season, Georgia simply hasn’t done much to help its opponents and there is more to be said for that than one might think. College football, especially, is a game driven by emotion; stylistically, the Bulldogs are going to slow that down and make you work for whatever you get. The Georgia offense is one based on a gritty north-south ground game and play-action passing. Very rarely do the Bulldogs go three-and-out, thus wearing down defenses and allowing their own unit to rest. Even with a relatively-inexperienced defensive backfield, Georgia is the only team in the country that has not yet allowed a single play of 40 yards or more. For point of reference, LSU has given up ten. Mark Richt has a football team that is going to be right there with you all game.

4. They Believe in Each Other — Losing early to South Carolina, then losing Todd Gurley a couple of weeks later, could have easily knocked the Bulldogs out of rhythm and out of sync. Georgia has, instead, rallied and responded. The Bulldogs have won five straight since their heartbreaker in Columbia and have been very impressive in Gurley-less games against Missouri and Arkansas. True freshman Nick Chubb has rushed for 345 yards and three scores in two starts in Gurley’s stead. Others, at various spots all over the field, have also upped their play. This is a group playing with great trust. Head coach Mark Richt, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, along with team leadership, deserve a ton of credit for keeping the right attitude and focus.

5. They Win in the Return Game — Often-overlooked in a game’s final analysis, kick and punt returns can dramatically impact field position and suddenly swing momentum. Quietly, Georgia does a great job there. The Bulldogs lead the SEC in punt coverage, rank third in kick coverage and have both a punt and kick return for a touchdown this year. It may seem like a small deal, but Georgia’s success in an area where outcomes are sometimes decided could prove to be a secret weapon for the Bulldogs in 2014. Florida State led the nation in kickoff returns last season, with Kermit Whitfield’s return helping to spark a BCS National Championship Game comeback.