Tennessee linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen is preparing his players for one of the nation’s top rushing attacks in No. 12 Georgia. Thigpen has put an emphasis on three things this week: running fit, every man doing his job and, most importantly, tackling.

“Our emphasis has been, we’ve got to tackle,” Thigpen said. “When the day of reckoning comes, you’ve got to make those plays and tackle one-on-one.”

It will be a tall task for Tennessee’s defense to tackle Todd Gurley one-on-one. Aside from leading Georgia with 402 yards and four touchdowns, the junior possesses power and speed that make him one of the most difficult matchups for any defender to stop. The Bulldogs’ opponents have all keyed in on the Heisman hopeful and have consistently been outmatched.

“[Gurley] has great vision, knows when to cut back, tuck it and run, and when to shake,” added Thigpen. “He does it all. He can give you shake like a little back, power like a big back, and speed like a small back.”

Tennessee will answer with a talented linebacking corps, led by senior AJ. Johnson. Johnson leads Tennessee with 29 tackles, the most he’s seen through three games in any season. Alongside Jalen Reeves-Maybin and a healthy Curt Maggitt, the Vols look to have one of the better linebacking groups in the SEC.

“This is his kind of football game,” Thigpen said of Johnson. “It’s an old school, smash-mouth, we call it, `double chin strap’ this week. Line up and let’s go play. [Jalen Reeves] Maybin is really smart. He is the epitome of being a smart player. He lines up exactly where he’s supposed to be and he is really good at tackling now. [Curt Maggitt] also does a good job at the point of attack. For those guys, playing in space and taking on the full back will be a good challenge for them this week.”

Tennessee and Georgia will kickoff Saturday at noon on ESPN.