Georgia has been handed the top spot in the USA Today/Coaches’ pre-season poll announced Friday.

The number one ranking is Georgia’s first by a major national poll in the preseason. The Bulldogs’ highest preseason 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 preseason 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.

The Bulldogs were a preseason No. 1 pick by the Sporting News and Lindy’s but the SEC media picked Georgia to finish second in the SEC East behind Florida.

Since the Bowl Championship Series started in 1999, at least one team that made it to the BCS title game began each year was ranked either first or second in the preseason coaches’ poll.

LSU was ranked No. 2 in the 2007 preseason poll and won the BCS title.

Georgia finished third in last year’s final coaches’ poll and second in the Associated Press poll.

The Associated Press preseason poll will be released on Aug. 15.

USA Today Coaches’ Poll

Rank Team Record Points 2007 Final
1. Georgia (22) 11-2 1,438 3
2. Southern California (14) 11-2 1,430 2
3. Ohio State (14) 11-2 1,392 4
4. Oklahoma (3) 11-3 1,329 8
5. Florida (5) 9-4 1,293 16
6. LSU (3) 12-2 1,163 1
7. Missouri 12-2 1,143 5
8. West Virginia 11-2 1,008 6
9. Clemson 9-4 999 22
10. Texas 10-3 979 10
11. Auburn 9-4 888 14t
12. Wisconsin 9-4 747 21
13. Kansas 12-1 714 7
14. Texas Tech 9-4 644 23
15. Virginia Tech 11-3 568 9
16. Arizona State 10-3 560 13
17. Brigham Young 11-2 547 14t
18. Tennessee 10-4 506 12
19. Illinois 9-4 422 18
20. Oregon 9-4 399 24
21. South Florida 9-4 350 NR
22. Penn State 9-4 313 25
23. Wake Forest 9-4 203 NR
24. Michigan 9-4 112 19
25. Fresno State 9-4 91 NR