ATHENS — No. 12 Tennessee (2-0, 2-0 SEC) will travel to No. 3 Georgia (2-0, 2-0 SEC) in Week 3 of a 10-game SEC-only schedule (3:30 p.m. EDT, CBS).
The Vols have taken care of business against a pair of SEC East opponents in its first two contests this season, but Week 3 will present a bigger challenge at Georgia.
The Bulldogs were victorious in Week 1 at Arkansas and also defeated Auburn last week.
For both teams, Saturday’s matchup will be the biggest challenge yet of the 2020 season.
“We have an experienced defensive line,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said ahead of playing Tennessee. “I think they played hard, played physical and that is what we want to do. They haven’t faced a unit as a group, and a group of backs. A combination of really good backs, experienced quarterback and a very experienced offensive line, this is by far the biggest test.”
Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt addressed the game within the trenches during his weekly appearance on the SEC teleconference.
Pruitt mentioned that having an impact in the trenches “is a huge part of the game,” but he also views the matchup of being able to create plays in other areas.
“On both sides of the ball, being able to control the line of scrimmage is a huge part of the game,” Pruitt said. “I do think turnovers, explosive plays, being able to finish in the red area will impact the game just as much as that.
“If you can run the ball and keep the other team from running it, it seems to give you more opportunities to win games because other things that will factor into it, as well.”
Tennessee’s offensive line starters in Week 2
Left tackle, Wanya Morris (6-foot-5, 320-pounds)
Left guard, Trey Smith (6-foot-6, 330-pounds)
Center, Brandon Kennedy (6-foot-3, 300-pounds)
Right guard, Jerome Carvin (6-foot-5, 310-pounds)
Right tackle, Cade Mays (6-foot-6, 320-pounds)
Georgia’s offensive line starters in Week 2
Left tackle, Jamaree Salyer (6-foot-4, 325-pounds)
Left guard, Justin Shaffer (6-foot-4, 330-pounds)
Center, Trey Hill (6-foot-4, 330-pounds)
Right guard, Ben Cleveland (6-foot-6, 335-pounds)
Right tackle, Warren McClendon (6-foot-4, 320-pounds)
Tennessee’s defensive line starters in Week 2
Defensive end, Matthew Butler (6-foot-4, 291-pounds)
Nose tackle, Elijah Simmons (6-foot-2, 320-pounds)
Defensive end, LaTrell Bumphus (6-foot-3, 290-pounds)
Georgia’s defensive line starters in Week 2
Defensive tackle, Devonte Wyatt (6-foot-3, 301-pounds)
Nose tackle, Jordan Davis (6-foot-6, 330-pounds)
Defensive end, Malik Herring (6-foot-3, 280-pounds)