ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia never has the luxury of relishing an opening win over an nonconference opponent, because South Carolina always awaits early in the Bulldogs' schedule.

Georgia, which beat Louisiana-Lafayette 55-7 on Saturday, opens its Southeastern Conference schedule at South Carolina next week.

Coach Mark Richt says the South Carolina game "is the most honest test" for the No. 23 Bulldogs, especially an offense led by freshman quarterback Aaron Murray.

The game is an important early season test to establish a top contender to Florida in the SEC's Eastern Division.

South Carolina beat Southern Miss 41-13 on Thursday night.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)