First things first, we must establish what it means to be a contender or a pretender. Many fans would love to see their favorite team finish 8-4 and win their bowl game in 2016. Although fans of many programs would consider that a successful season, that would not make them a contender. In order for a team to be considered a contender, they must have a reasonable shot at contending for their division crown.
Related: Mississippi State Football: Contender or Pretender in 2016
So does there being a new coach between the hedges in Athens, Georgia for the first time since 2001 make the Bulldogs contenders or pretenders in 2016?