Georgia Football: Ranking Bulldogs’ 2020 opponents by toughness
Nov. 14. Athens (Ga.). Tennessee Volunteers. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 839. player
One of the bigger rivalries in the SEC East, the Volunteers are entering 2020 with heightened expectations because of the latest recruiting efforts and the way that the Volunteers ended the 2019 season on a six-game winning streak.
The Volunteers are returning 18 starters and there is optimism surrounding the program for the first time in years.
With the game being in late November, this could be the first time in a long time that this game could be a big factor in the SEC East race. Tennessee is making strides as a program, but I don’t think that they will be ready for this contest just yet because I don’t believe the Volunteers have the quarterback play to vault them to the top of the SEC East just yet. Maybe in 2021.
3. 842. Pick Analysis. Oct. 10. Athens (Ga.). Auburn Tigers. Scouting Report. player
In the game known as “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry”, Georgia has won the last three games against the Tigers, two of them by double-digits.
Auburn is returning Bo Nix, the reigning SEC Rookie of the Year, and if Nix can make the necessary strides as a passer, Auburn’s offense will be that much more dangerous. The Tigers will need to replace key defenders Derrick Brown, Marlon Davidson and Noah Igbinoghene and navigate what is always a tough SEC and non-conference schedule.
Due to a schedule change, these two teams will be meeting in October instead of the usual late November clash right before the Iron Bowl. This will be a heavyweight fight that I think will work in Georgia’s favor.
The game is in Athens, the Dawgs defense is elite and I will have to see Nix take a lot of big strides as a passer to take Auburn seriously as a national championship contender. The Dawgs will win a close one here.