Bulldogs will try to limit Vols’ offense
When: 3:30 p.m., Saturday Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. TV: CBS
Win at wide receiver: Georgia's Kearis Jackson is coming off a career game against Auburn. George Pickens is one of the best wide receivers in the SEC. Demetris Robertson is always a threat. Tennessee's secondary has been a revolving door this season due to contacttracing protocol. South Carolina's Shi Smith abused the Vols, and Georgia has a far better wide receiver group than the Gamecocks.
Limit chunk plays: Georgia possesses the nation's No. 4 defense, allowing fewer than 250 yards per game. It will largely fall on Vols quarterback Jarrett Guarantano to make big throws, and Georgia will challenge him to do so. If the
Bulldogs prevent big plays in the passing game and make Tennessee one-dimensional, they should win.
Keys for Tennessee
Run the ball: Tennessee's Ty Chandler is the SEC's leading rusher and Eric Gray isn't far behind. The Vols are the second-best rushing team in the conference and rushed for 232 yards on Oct. 3 against Missouri. But they're facing the best run defense as Georgia allows only 58 rushing yards per game. Tennessee has to find a way behind its strong offensive line to move the ball on the ground.
Force turnovers: Tennessee has only two turnovers on defense through two games — a fact Pruitt bemoaned Monday. The Vols are plus-3 in turnover margin thanks to having committed no turnovers, but the Tennessee secondary has had opportunities for more interceptions and hasn't made the plays. It will need to Saturday.
Prediction
Georgia 30, Tennessee 17: Tennessee should give Georgia a much better game than Auburn did a week ago. But Georgia's offensive line makes the difference in this matchup. Tennessee's front seven has not been consistent through two games and the Bulldogs should be able to run the ball on the Vols.