Tennessee at Georgia: Player of the game and final score predictions
The Tennessee Volunteers will travel to Athens, Ga., Saturday for their annual SEC East matchup against No. 12 Georgia. Tennessee (2-1) is coming off a Week 4 bye that followed a 34-10 loss to No. 4 Oklahoma. Georgia (2-1) looks to continue its momentum after a 66-0 win over Troy that followed a disappointing upset to No. 13 South Carolina in Week 3.
The Bulldogs are a 17-point favorite to win for the fifth consecutive year. However, the Vols look improved at the skill positions and have one of their most talented rosters in recent memory. The battle in the trenches will play a major factor in the outcome.
Georgia has one of the nation’s best running games and a stellar pass rush on defense. Tennessee’s offensive and defensive lines lack experience and face questions entering Saturday’s matchup. But the Vols have challenged stronger Georgia teams in recent years with less talented lineups.
Tennessee will look to make a statement in its second road game. The Vols have an advantage coming off a bye week and should see improvement in the areas needed from Week 3.
Prediction: Tennessee-31, Georgia- 28
Tennessee will use the Oklahoma loss as a learning experience. The Vols need to improve on the offensive line, but have talent in other areas. Justin Worley played well against Georgia last season and should do the same with an improved group of wide receivers. Freshman tailback Jalen Hurd has improved each game and will look to have another breakout performance facing Todd Gurley and fellow first-year standouts Sony Michel and Nick Chubb.
Tennessee has the linebackers to challenge the talented Bulldogs running game, including a senior middle linebacker thats the heart and soul of its defense.
Player of the Game: A.J. Johnson, LB
For Tennessee to win, A.J. Johnson will need to continue his hot start. Johnson has 29 tackles, the most through his first three games of any season. Georgia running back Todd Gurley enters with 402 yards and four touchdowns on 41 attempts. Gurley is averaging 134 yards per game and 9.8 yards per carry. Johnson vs. Gurley will be the most anticipated matchup of Saturday’s game. The veteran linebacker will finish with a strong showing against one of the nation’s best players.