1. Quarterback quandary

It will be a shock if D’Wan Mathis doesn’t start Saturday. The redshirt freshman quarterback most definitely will play, likely will play a lot and probably will play first.

That makes for a wonderful chapter in what has been a dramatic and inspirational story. Bulldogs fans are aware of Mathis’ journey from Ohio State commitment to Georgia signee to suddenly finding out the sinus headache that wouldn’t go away was caused by a cyst in his brain that needed to be removed quickly.

Mathis is in the position because he has the strongest arm, the fastest legs and most playmaking ability of the four quarterbacks left to compete for the job after Jamie Newman bolted early this month. He is 6 feet 6 and reportedly is among the 10 fastest players on the team.

Meanwhile, if things don’t go as well as hoped, the Bulldogs have a reliable option in JT Daniels waiting in the wings, as long as his knee holds up.

George Pickens is back after a 12-reception, 175-yard MVP performance in the Sugar Bowl. “D-Rob,” Kearis Jackson, Matt Landers and a few of the many freshmen Georgia brought in have impressed in camp.

And, as Monken points out, the run game is a big part of his spread concept. For that, Zamir White and James Cook are back.

The most impressive stat of all is this one: 36 defensive lettermen who played 100 snaps or more last season return. That’s a lot of experience. There has been less discussion about what is new on defense, and there’s a lot to like there.

Tackle Jalen Carter probably has generated more buzz than there has been about a freshman defender in a while. The 6-3, 305-pound, 5-star signee played his way into the rotation, which is impressive given Georgia’s talent up front. There’s a similar sentiment for defensive back Jalen Kimber. And then there’s the maturation of many of young players, such as defensive end Travon Walker, inside linebacker Nakobe Dean and outside linebacker Nolan Smith.

Arkansas will unleash firstyear offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. The son of Art Briles is considered one of the brightest minds in the game, and he has plenty to work with in Florida transfer Feleipe Franks at quarterback, senior running back Rakeem Boyd, receiver Treylon Burks and four returning starters on the line.