The number one ranking is Georgia’s first by a major national poll in the pre-season. The Bulldogs’ highest pre-season rankings by major polls have previously been recorded in 1942 (2nd AP); 2004 (3rd AP, 4th USA/Coaches); and 1967 (6th AP).
“Being number one in the coaches pre-season poll does have significance since it’s one-third of the formula to decide who plays in the national championship game,” said Richt. “But the post-season poll is the one that is the most important. However, I know the ranking is exciting for Georgia football and hopefully we can do our part to stay in the race.”
Behind the Bulldogs in the USA Today/Coaches’ poll in order are Southern Cal, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, and LSU, Missouri, West Virginia, Clemson, and Texas.
Georgia has been getting top attention by several pre-season football magazines including Sporting News (1st), Lindy’s (1st), Blue Ribbon (2nd), Athlon (5th), and Phil Steele (9th).
Georgia finished the 2007 season ranked 2nd by the Associated Press and 3rd by the USA Today/Coaches. The Associated Press pre-season poll is still to come.