September 27th– at Georgia
Daniel: After sticking with Georgia all the way to the final play in 2013, it’s reasonable to think that the Vols can go to Athens and do that again this season with the Bulldogs breaking in new quarterback Hutson Mason. But UT hasn’t won at Georgia since 2007 and the Bulldogs’ power running game should be too much to handle. It’s also unlikely that Georgia will face another rash of injuries like it did in Knoxville last year. Winner: Bulldogs
Houston: The Vols played extremely well against the Bulldogs last year in Knoxville, but this may be where the interior of the Vols’ defensive line gets exposed. Georgia will be one of the best running teams in the country and will try to pound teams into submission by feeding the ball to Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who rushed for a combined 294 yards and 5 touchdowns against the Vols in 2012, early and often. The Vols will be coming off of a bye week while Georgia will be coming off of a two game stretch of South Carolina and Troy. Where will Georgia be at this point? If they can avenge last year’s opening game loss to Clemson in game one and get by Carolina, then the Dawgs will be riding high. Tennessee will have the confidence they can play with Georgia after last year’s game and this one is almost certain to go into the fourth quarter, but in the end Georgia at home is just too much. Winner: Georgia
Reed: Mark Richt’s Bulldogs look like the favorites in the SEC East by default after South Carolina’s defense failed to stop a nosebleed in their season opener – of course we’ll find out much more about Georgia when the face-off with Clemson Saturday. What do we know about Georgia? They’re loaded with talent. Todd Gurley and Co. will spearhead one of the nation’s best rushing attacks, they will have a deadly receiving corps and UGA’s defense should take a huge step forward under new coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Tennessee always plays Georgia tough, but the Bulldogs will be one of the most balanced and talented teams in the conference if Hutson Mason can manage the offense. This series has proven to be unpredictable, but a victory in Athens will be a tall task for Tennessee as Georgia has the talent, experience and home field edge. Winner: Georgia
