Tennessee at Georgia – Preview and Prediction
TENNESSEE 3 GEORGIA (52.5)
Implied Projected Score: Tennessee 27.75 Georgia 24.75
MEGALOCKS LINE – Tennessee -3
The Game
Tennessee could really put the hammer down in the SEC East race this weekend as they face the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. The Volunteers are feeling pretty good after a 35-point 2nd half against the Gators, while the Bulldogs are smarting after getting punched in the face by Ole Miss.
The Match-Up
Tennessee offense vs Georgia defense
What exactly was THAT ? We like Joshua Dobbs as a QB but he looked absolutely fantastic in the 2nd half against Florida. To be fair, he was also pretty good in the first half but there were a lot of dropped passes. In any event, the Volunteers bring a streaky offense to the table and Georgia has given up 24,24,27,45 in their first four contests. Dobbs brings a new dimension that the Bulldogs have not had to worry about this season. A true running threat. Kelly moves around and buys time. Dobbs can make you pay with big runs.
Our biggest concern about the Georgia defense is the lack of PENETRATION the defense has been able to get so far in 2016. They are 2nd last (!) in the SEC in sacks per game and dead last (!) in tackles for loss per game. If they do not find a way to pressure Dobbs, it is going to be a long day.
Georgia offense vs Tennessee defense
You can see the potential with Jacob Eason. The true freshman has done pretty well so far but has only completed 52% of his passes while throwing 5 TD vs 3 INT. The Tennessee defense has been solid for the most part and really showed something in the 2nd half last week. They are definitely worse off with some key players missing on defense but have an offense they can handle this weekend. A big question in this game is the status of star RB Nick Chubb. They have some depth at the position, but it appears clear at this point that even if Chubb plays, he will not be 100%.
The Tennessee defense has not been great at getting to the passer so far this season but can look dominant at times due to the talent on hand. They have not been a rock against the run so the Bulldogs best hope is to try and grind out first downs. Maybe pass first. Do whatever they can to stay out of 3rd and long situations.
MEGA Mini-Bites
Tennessee has lost the last four games in Athens and the last time they tasted victory there was in 2006…..The last 8 Bulldog home games have gone under the total…..Memo to Butch Jones….do not kick to Isaiah McKenzie.
Summary
On paper, it seems to us that the Volunteers should win this game. Therein lies the issue. Coming off a huge win against the Gators and facing the Bulldogs with their backs against the proverbial wall makes us a bit leery. Need to stew on this one for just a bit.
Conclusion
Official play: None. Yet.
Lean: Volunteers -3 or better. Under any number 51 or better.