Georgia Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
This could be a pivotal game in the SEC East race. The Vols were a near-consensus pick to take the East title last year before stumbling in October. Many are quick to write them off in 2017, as they lose a handful of weapons off an impressive offense — quarterback Josh Dobbs and halfbacks Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, for starters — but UT is talented and still very dangerous.
This game won’t be easy for the Bulldogs, especially given that it’s in Knoxville. Still, in a battle of likely AP Top 25 teams, it’s safer to lean with the more experienced side. The Vols offense likely won’t be operating at full tilt under new quarterback Quinten Dormady just yet; the Dawgs’ offense will be clicking on all cylinders. Even if UT manages to move the ball consistently, they won’t be able to matvh UGA’s firepower.
Unlike last year’s thriller, expect a slow, methodical contest that won’t be likely to make it into any history books. Also expect the Bulldogs to keep Tennessee at arm’s length for much of the game, exacting revenge for last season’s loss and grabbing an early lead in the SEC East race.