The Georgia Bulldogs are large home favorites against the Tennessee Volunteers in their first home night game of the season. Georgia’s postseason fate relies on this game. The Bulldogs are 9.5-point favorites against the 8-1 Volunteers.
Here are three reasons why the Bulldogs will cover and win the game on Saturday.
Home Crowd
The Tennessee game is Georgia’s first home game since their 41-31 win on Oct. 12 against Mississippi State Bulldogs. Expect Sanford Stadium to be loud and rocking all night long for the high-stakes game.
Head coach Kirby Smart always harps on the fans to be elite to help out his team during big matchups like the one this Saturday. Expect the crowd to play a major factor and force Tennessee to get costly penalties to play behind the chains to put themselves into tougher scenarios. Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s status is still in question and if backup Gaston Moore has to play, then that is too much to ask.
Tennessee has played in just two true road games this season, so the Volunteers may struggle in a hostile environment.
Sense of Urgency
The Bulldogs find themselves in an unfamiliar position, one they haven’t experienced in recent memory. Georgia is currently on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. Expect UGA to approach the game with a major sense of urgency.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is well aware of the challenge a team like the Bulldogs presents. “We’re preparing to face a great opponent. In every phase of the game, they’re extremely talented and exceptionally well-coached,” Heupel said. His high praise is a clear indication that the Bulldogs will aim to deliver their most complete performance in this critical matchup.
Run game
Tennessee has the second-best run defense in the SEC and is allowing just 100 rushing yards per game. However, in four of six SEC games Tennessee has given up over 100 yards on the ground.
With a trend like that you expect Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to implement in the game plan that running the ball effectively and efficiently is high on tasks to accomplish to make Saturday successful. Georgia starting running back Trevor Etienne is officially out, so that task will belong to freshman running back Nate Frazier.
Frazier has dealt with starter reps against No. 20 Clemson and Florida. In both games he gained over 80 rushing yards and a touchdown.