Georgia vs Tennessee - Keys to the matchup for both teams headed into Saturday

The Keys to the matchup between Georgia & Tennessee for both teams headed into Saturday's game, as Georgia is a 25 point favorite.
Georgia vs Tennessee - Keys to the matchup for both teams headed into Saturday
Georgia vs Tennessee - Keys to the matchup for both teams headed into Saturday /

Georgia heads to Knoxville to face the 1-3 Tennessee Volunteers after resting up during the first of two bye weeks this season. The Dawgs are heavily favored in this game, so a lot is going to have to go right for the Vols if it is going to be close. 

Tennessee: 

  • Georgia's defense hasn't seen a premier rushing attack all season, if Ty Chandler and Eric Gray can get things going on the ground UT can keep Georgia's offense off the field. 
  • Win the turnover margin: If you are going to defeat the #3 team in the country while being a 25 point underdog, you're going to have to create havoc on the defensive end. 
  • Explosive Plays: Whether they come from special teams, offense or defense, Tennessee is going to have to make 3-4 explosive plays in the game to keep it tight. Tennessee is not set up to grind out Georgia's defense, if they are going to put up the necessary points to win they will need a few breakaway touchdowns. 

Georgia: 

  • Don't overlook the opponent: Clemson was 1-point better than UNC last week because perhaps some of the players looked beyond the Tar Heels. After all, these are 18 to 21-year-old young men. So, anything can happen. 
  • Get off to a hot start: The last thing you want is 100,000 screaming fans in Neyland stadium because they all of the sudden think they have a chance. Put them away and put 'em away early. 
  • Stay healthy: Georgia needs to catch a break on the injury front, and if they can get out to a big lead perhaps Coach Smart can rest his key starters to keep them at 100%. 

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Brooks Austin
BROOKS AUSTIN

Brooks Austin is a former college football player turned journalist and broadcaster. Follow him on Twitter @BrooksAustinBA