October 1oth vs. Georgia
Daniel: There’s a lot of focus on what Georgia doesn’t have (quarterback, firepower at WR), but the Bulldogs do have a great offensive line, a defense that I think is a bit underrated with some scary pass rushers and an absolute bowling ball of a runner in Nick Chubb and several quality options behind him as well. This Georgia team is extremely talented and my pick to win the East. Tennessee has played well against UGA recently, and I get the momentum behind the idea that this is the year that the Vols will knocks the Bulldogs off due to the clear edge at quarterback and the fact that UT has taken them down to the wire the past couple years. As with all of these swing games, I may change my mind by game week, but I’m going with UGA for now in another nail-biter. Winner: Georgia
Houston: Georgia will have a first-year starter at quarterback in his first true road test of the year in a game that could decide the East. Georgia will be coming off of a tough game against Alabama, while I have Tennessee coming of of a loss to Arkansas – so we’ll call that a wash. Georgia will be able to run the football in this game, but Tennessee proved last year that its offense can move the ball and score points on Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. Add in some additional playmakers on offense and an improved offensive line at home, and I think the Vols are finally able to get over the hump against Georgia thanks to a late Aaron Medley field goal. Winner: Vols
Reed: The Vols should be 3-2 right here, but with close games predicted against Arkansas and Oklahoma, they could be 5-0. Either way, this game is massive and should decide the SEC East race. Tennessee has been close against Georgia (losing by one possession) the last three years and the Dawgs are breaking in a new OC and new quarterback. Tennessee needs this game to take the next step as a program and reach their ceiling in 2015. That said, Georgia ranks 5th nationally in overall talent per CFB Matrix and their defense should take another step forward this year under Pruitt. This one, rightfully, is a pick’em. But I trust Dobbs in Neyland more than anyone Georgia will trot out there at QB. Give me the Vols by a field goal. Winner: Volunteers
