Georgia vs. Tennessee: Major Matchups

The final month of the 2022 College Football regular season kicks off on Saturday and the slate is headlined by a No. 1 vs. No. 3 matchup. It’s Tennessee at Georgia, respectively. Georgia is No. 1 in both the AP and coaches’ polls. Tennessee holds the top spot in the only rankings that matter this time of year, the College Football Playoff Rankings.

As previously indicated, Georgia is No. 3 in those rankings. Whoever wins Saturday’s clash, the highest-ranked ever in the history of Sanford Stadium, will almost certainly be ranked No. 1. Georgia is favored by one full score at eight points but the game isn’t played on paper. Below Dawgs HQ examines some of the matchups Georgia will need to win in order to grab a stranglehold on the SEC East.

Georgia front seven vs. Tennessee offensive line

This game has two of the SEC’s top passing attacks but this one is going to come down to the trenches. You’ll know what we mean by that by the time you finish reaching this article.

Tennessee is a whole different (much harder) animal to defend if it is having its way in the run game. That opens everything up and the team on the other sideline is in for a long day. The Vol offensive line has really taken a step forward in year two of Josh Heupel’s scheme. That group is creating opportunities for Hendon Hooker and the running backs to gobble up yardage.

Georgia is really good against the run. The Bulldogs season stats are significantly skewed by garbage yardage gained by opponents in the fourth quarter. In some ways, this is fire vs. fire.

DawgsHQ’s take: Tennessee’s rushing attack is a little more volume-dependent than some of the SEC’s other top rushing offenses. Make no mistake, the Volunteers are physical and effective on the ground. But UT ranks No. 7 in the SEC in yards per attempt at 4.6. Believe it or not, the Vols run it more than they throw it. You might chalk that up to blowout wins but Georgia and Tennessee have the same number of fourth-quarter rushing attempts this season. This is Tennessee’s silver bullet. If it gashes the Bulldogs on the ground, it’s tough to see the home team winning.

UGA defensive backs vs. Tennessee receivers

We’ve established that the Vols run it well and that opens everything up. But the Tennessee receiving corps is a handful. Jaylin Hyatt, Bru McCoy, and Ramel Keyton have held it down for most of the year but Cedric Tillman, the guy who lit Georgia up for over 200 yards last season, is now back. It’s a deep, talented group.

Georgia’s secondary isn’t full of slouches. The Bulldogs have an extremely talented cornerback in Kelee Ringo and a pair of safeties who get it done in different ways. Chris Smith is the grizzled veteran while Malaki Starks is the hotshot freshman. Javon Bullard has been a key piece at STAR/nickel. The one real question mark is Kamari Lassiter at the other cornerback spot.

Dawgs HQ’s Take: Ringo has had a couple of guys get behind him of late but really keep an eye on Lassiter in this one. He has held his own and then some but he’s probably the weakest point of a very strong secondary. Tennessee can apply pressure via multiple points so it’s reasonable to expect a big play or two. Georgia must, however, limit those to just a few or less.

Georgia offensive line vs. Tennessee front seven

Remember what we’ve already said about the trenches? This is a big one because Tennessee’s run defense is by far the best aspect of that 11-man unit. The Volunteers are just one of two squads in the SEC giving up less than three yards per carry. No team has hit Tennessee for four yards a carry or more. They do it with slants and stunts up front and good speed at the second level.

The Georgia run game has found its stride of late. The Bulldogs are averaging well over five yards per carry and are above 200 yards per game for the season. The offensive line has really jelled since that abhorrent showing vs. Mizzou.

DawgsHQ’s take: Yet another matchup that could decide the game. Tennessee’s front has seemingly overachieved this season. It is really getting the job done vs. the run and there’s a good chance that Georgia will have to be stubborn with it. If the Bulldogs are biting off chunks on the ground early, that’s a really good sign for the home crowd.

UGA tight ends vs. Tennessee linebackers and safeties

Tennessee’s pass defense just isn’t great. The Vols have had it thrown on them more than any team in the league. Some of that is because teams are playing catchup but a lot of it is because that’s the way to best attack the Vol defense.

Georgia loves its tight ends in the passing game and Stetson Bennett is really comfortable with that group. He seems to really like throwing to the big targets. Tennessee has had its issues with good tight ends this season.

Dawgs HQ’s take: Pitt, Florida, and Alabama were able to get their tight ends going against UT. Those three teams combined to throw for 254 yards and three touchdowns on 16 receptions. Tennessee is probably going to work hard to keep Brock Bowers in check so keep an eye on Darnell Washington.