DawgsHQ Staff Predictions: Week 7 (Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, more)

It’s the last game before the bye for the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, and there’s little to no fear from fans headed into this one. UGA is a big favorite on the road this week as it takes on Vanderbilt in Nashville. DawgsHQ will be ready to roll for the early kickoff tomorrow morning in the Music City, and as we hit the road, here’s how we think the game plays out.

*** Georgia won big last Saturday over Kentucky, covering the 14.5-point spread with ease. Wes, Rowe and Palmer correctly predicted that and get a point as a result. This week UGA comes in as 31.5-point favorites versus Vanderbilt. ***

Wes Blankenship (17-15-2)

Georgia finally covered a spread this season. And while I think that Georgia did find a little something against the Wildcats, they won’t cover 31.5 at Vanderbilt. I know Georgia has plenty of motivation against the Dores from the time they canceled senior day, but Vandy’s breaking that touchdown streak and covering for the first time themselves this season. (Georgia 42, Vanderbilt 13)

Jeremy Johnson (13-19-2)

Georgia is in the midst of a stride. They keep rolling over a struggling Vanderbilt team. (Georgia 56, Vanderbilt 10)

Rusty Mansell

Daijun Edwards has 130 yards, two touchdowns as Georgia jumps out to an early lead, putting up 31 points in the first half for the second straight week. Lot of young players get in the game late. (Georgia 48, Vanderbilt 10)

Jake Reuse (16-16-2)

Well, Georgia finally did what I asked all season — the Dawgs covered a spread. If they’re clicking like they did against the Cats last week, they shouldn’t have much trouble doing so again, though admittedly I’m hesitant of any of these 30+ lines with the new clock rules. But what the hell, I’ll pick ’em to carry over some momentum, let Carson Beck keep it in the air early, and knock out Vandy before the Commodores can get any sense of believing in their chances of what would be a miracle win.  (Georgia 45, Vanderbilt 10)

Jake Rowe (16-16-2)

Vanderbilt is scratching and clawing and doing everything it can to try and get out of the SEC cellar to stay. It doesn’t appear that this year is the time. The Commodores are atrocious on defense and it doesn’t really matter whether teams lean on the run or pass. Georgia should be able to control this game and when you consider how Vandy struggles to run it, it’s even more of a mismatch. I like Georgia to control the game throughout and take the air out of the ball in the fourth quarter. (Georgia 45, Vanderbilt 10)

Palmer Thombs (17-15-2)

I’ve been on the record this week that I think Georgia jumps on Vanderbilt early and the starters are in and out quickly. While I do think there’s an opportunity to run the ball well against the Commodores, Vanderbilt is banged up on the back end. That’s been the area where Georgia has attacked as of late, and I think they do it again. Have a feeling Dominic Lovett has a breakout game. (Georgia 52, Vanderbilt 6)

National Games of the Week (Against the Spread)

No. 8 Oregon @ No. 7 Washington (-3) / 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Wes: Oregon
Jeremy: Oregon
Reuse: Oregon
Rowe: Oregon
Palmer: Oregon

Texas A&M @ No. 19 Tennessee (-3) / 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
Wes: Texas A&M
Jeremy: Texas A&M
Reuse: Texas A&M
Rowe: Tennessee
Palmer: Tennessee

No. 10 USC @ No. 21 Notre Dame (-3) / 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC
Wes: USC
Jeremy: USC
Reuse: Notre Dame
Rowe: USC
Palmer: Notre Dame

No. 25 Miami @ No. 12 North Carolina (-3.5) / 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Wes: North Carolina
Jeremy: North Carolina
Reuse: North Carolina
Rowe: Miami
Palmer: North Carolina

Missouri @ No. 24 Kentucky (-2.5) / 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Wes: Missouri
Jeremy: Missouri
Reuse: Missouri
Rowe: Kentucky
Palmer: Kentucky

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