PREDICTIONS COLUMN: Raiders will have better success against this week’s ...

This week, Madison County switches from the “Bulldogs” of Rockdale County to the “Bulldoggs” of Winder-Barrow.

That’s right the D - O - double ‘G’s.’

Madison County struggled in its opener against Rockdale County, giving up 235 yards on the ground in losing its first opener in six years.

But this time, Madison County gets it right.

If Winder-Barrow’s speed this year is comparable to its 2007 team, then the Bulldoggs won’t be as fast as Rockdale County.

The Bulldoggs also have a new coach — although breaking in a new head coach didn’t seem to bother Rockdale County — and this is their first game of the season, so it’s possible that growing pains and transition problems could plague the team from Winder.

Plus, the Raiders should be doubly motivated for this one after being surprised over in Conyers last Friday.

PREDICTION: Madison County 14, Winder-Barrow 10

On to college …

Basically, football fans can take what they want from this past Saturday’s Georgia-Georgia Southern game.

If you’re partial to the Eagles, then Georgia Southern made the Dogs look bad by putting up 21 points.

If you’re a Georgia fan, the Bulldogs played like they should have in the first three quarters, leading 38-0 at one point.

The Bulldogs also played much of their bench, with some reserves called into duty early (Joe Cox and Richard Samuel were inserted in the third offensive series). Georgia also didn’t tip its hand too much concerning its offensive and defensive schemes.

Expect this Saturday’s meeting with Central Michigan to be much tougher. If the Dogs snooze, the Chippewas' Dan LeFevour will pick Georgia apart.

PREDICTION: Georgia 31, Central Michigan 24

In other action, Georgia Tech travels to “Baston” and beats Boston College to move to 2-0; Wake Forest, the new power of the ACC, out-duals Ole Miss; and Florida wins handily over Miami, though the game will be close at the half.

In professional football, the Detroit spoils the debut of Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. The Lions win by two touchdows.