Even though Tennessee has an eight-game winning streak, this week’s game at Georgia will take on a greater meaning largely because the Bulldogs are the best team the Vols have played in that stretch.

After all, Georgia has won three straight, and eight of the last 10 over Tennessee. But with the game being in the marquee afternoon time slot on the “SEC on CBS,” it will have a national focus the Vols haven’t had to this degree.

But is this game a measuring stick for Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt?

“You only have control over who is on the schedule each week, right?,” Pruitt said on the SEC coaches media teleconference. “We continue to improve, we are nowhere where we want to be … Georgia has won the East three years in a row, each week it’s a battle. It’s hard to beat anyone in this league…. to win the East and the SEC, speaks to their program and where we are trying to get.”

Much of the discussion this week has been about Tennessee’s upgraded line of scrimmage. Pruitt shared that the Vols had six or seven offensive linemen, and only two or three were over 300 pounds.

“I think on both sides of the ball, controlling the line of scrimmage is a big part of the game, Pruitt said. “Turnovers, explosive plays will also determine the game.”

Pruitt also added that DB Shawn Shamburger, who has been out all season for an undisclosed reason, will play at Georgia.