No. 9 Oklahoma State isn’t the accustomed scheduled cupcake season opener.

With a balanced offense, which averaged 240 yards both passing and rushing last season, and nine starters returning on defense, the Cowboys aren’t the mediocre team Georgia beat in 2007.

The Bulldogs won’t have time for usual season-opening game traditions where subpar opponents give time to grow comfortable in the Saturday atmosphere, adjusting to game speed and creating chemistry.

This matchup will be lightning quick from the get-go.

“It’s given us something to look forward to all offseason,” said Georgia fullback Shaun Chapas. “We have a huge challenge ahead of us and it’s something you talk about all season and all summer to motivate you to work harder.”

The Cowboys are looking to avenge a loss in Athens two years ago, and have added to the anticipation with offseason additions to T. Boone Pickens Stadium.

Coach Mark Richt said all the hype had his team wanting an earlier start to scout work, where the No. 1 unit sees time against a team replicating Oklahoma State.

“I think I prefer to start against a top-10 opponent,” defensive tackle Jeff Owens said. “You never know when you’re going to get a chance to go against the best teams in the country. Like Southern Cal is playing Ohio State this year [in Week 2]. That’s something I always liked. Play the best teams in the country because you never get a chance to play them.”

Richt said Sept. 5 in Stillwater is the toughest season opener of his tenure, recalling only Clemson in 2003 in terms of caliber of opponent.

“I think there’s a little greater sense of urgency,” he said. “I think our coaches were more interested in starting the game plan for Oklahoma State a little bit sooner.”

For Georgia fans, the game offers an opportunity to show life can still be fulfilling without Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. And the defense is eager to show it is back on an elite level after a sub-par season all around for Willie Martinez’ group.

And, as always, SEC fanboys will shout conference dominance should Georgia win.

“You always play the teams in your conference, but you always want to play that tough non-conference opponent, just to see where you stand up, just to see where you’re at with the other conferences,” Owens said.

White comfortable knowing there’s more ‘certainty’

Starting tight end Aron White said he’s excited how the offense is progressing, and especially happy with how comfortable he feels within the system.

“I think there’s a little more certainty,” he said. “I think I know what to expect as far as game situations this year. I definitely feel more confident in knowing the gameplan and everything like that.”

Last season injuries to Tripp Chandler and Bruce Figgins kept the tight end position in shuffle. White didn’t know when, if and how much he’d see the field.

The Missouri product is now the featured tight end and has overcome a sore hamstring in preseason practice.

“I think it’s a little more easygoing this year, but going into that first game you always get the jitters a little bit,” White said. “But as far as knowing everything, I feel like I’m ready.”

Freshman Gilliard sees time with No. 1 defense

The list of playmaking linebackers Georgia has on hand continues to grow as freshman Mike Gilliard continues to impress coaches in practice.

Gilliard, who was at Valdosta High School this time last year, has been the beneficiary of increased time with the No. 1 unit while others are on the mend.

“So, I don’t think there’s much doubt that we plan on playing him,” Richt said. “We wouldn’t be afraid to play him some scrimmage downs and I know our special teams coaches are trying to find everyone they can.”

Richt likes Commings, says future is ‘very bright’

The safety position is another on defense loaded with premium talent.

Starters Bryan Evans and Reshad Jones missed practice time with sore hamstrings, allowing younger guys added time in practice to improve and feel comfortable.

Makiri Pugh, Bacarri Rambo and Sanders Commings have earned the respect of Richt.

“Our young safeties got a ton of work because of the hamstring pulls with our veterans,” he said.

“I like what I see in those guys, and it’s not just two; it’s three.”

Commings in particular has impressed. The Augusta native also worked at corner last year as a freshman but has settled in for good at safety.

“If you just looked at him in the weight room, you would think that he is a junior or senior,” Richt said.

“He has his body in tremendous condition. He’s a big kid. He has good speed, he’s intelligent, he’s very coachable. Now he just needs to play and make plays in games, which will give him confidence for the future. His future is very bright in my opinion,” he said.

Gamble, Atkins need to stick with their own game

Darryl Gamble and Geno Atkins are dominant on the football field.

Playing basketball-not so much.

The two gave their shot on the court against Owens’ neighbor, but came up short, and in humorous fashion.

Owens said his 13-year-old neighbor beat the defensive duo in hoops.

Owens described his neighbor as “pretty good” and wanted to film the action, to add to the embarrassment, but unfortunately it was dark.

“I wanted to put it on Youtube,” he said.