How Tennessee Wins

Honestly, I think this Georgia squad is the best I've seen since becoming a fan. However, like all of the rest, they have their glaring flaws, especially at this part of the season.

So this Tennessee squad is young, not too much depth, but Butch Jones has brought an excitement that is easily indentifiable if you simply look at the recruiting rankings.

...now Butch Jones is deploying the grey jerseys against the Dawgs at home?

I think it's a brilliant move for a few reasons:

1. Georgia is emotionally exhausted.

This is the toughest stretch of games I've ever seen to the beginning of the season for Georgia since I've been a fan. The "gauntlet" term used to describe the first four games is over, and we're victorious. There is an undeniable sigh of relief, and knowing this squad, we're likely to rest on our laurels, and just not show up in Knoxville.

A lack of focus can result in coverage breakdowns, special teams mistakes, interceptions...anything that can keep Tennessee in this ballgame.

2. Our defense has struggled. We did an okay job of stopping LSU's running attack, but we essentially had two weeks to prepare for LSU with a BYE week and North Texas.

Yikes.

Our defense is young, but in my opinion, they are learning slower than anticipated. Focus during the offseason was unparalleled, and there were a lot of early enrollees that played in our Spring game. But we're just playing bad, specifically in the secondary.

I don't know. For the past few years, our defense has given up a lot of points, despite Jarvis Jones, Justin Houston, Alec Ogletree, and other talents. There were games where the defense was supposed to "catch on" and "grow up." However, we never really met our potential, and performed poorly in several games.

Noticeably against Tennessee last year in a shootout where Bray almost beat us, and Tennessee was surprisingly able to run successfully against the Georgia defense.

How can I not be worried?

Prediction:

Tennessee is going to be excited with those slick grey jerseys. You guys play good defense, and know how to run the football. One of the best offensive line units in the nation. I expect Worley to complete passes against this struggling Georgia secondary. Josh Smith and 'Pig' Howard are good players.

However, success depends on the ability for Tennessee to run the ball successfully. Marlon Lane and Neal are solid backs.

But if the Georgia defense has anything going for them, it's the play of they're front seven, which also happens to have a lot more depth than Tennessee has. Tennessee scores points early, but I think the Dawgs pull away eventually.

41-24 Georgia.

UPDATE: Starting FS Tray Mathews likely out against the Vols.