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ANALYSIS: Don't get it twisted: It is appropriate for Georgia to be favored in this spot -- particularly at home -- as the reigning national champions with the best defense Tennessee will face by a good margin this season. Still, the Volunteers' success is not a fluke, and they will be the toughest offensive test the Bulldogs will see -- at least until a possible matchup with Alabama. Hendon Hooker's ability to protect the ball should give Georgia fewer chances than it normally gets against more turnover-prone teams. Plus, Tennessee's bevy of talented receivers should be able to stretch the field enough. Even if the Dawgs win, the Vols should keep it within this larger number.
Welcome to the game of the year in College Football, this one has it all. The highest scoring team in the SEC vs. the squad who allows the fewest points in the SEC. No. 1 vs. No. 3...and in a rivalry game. Georgia has had Tennessee's number the live five seasons winning all five by 23+ points. That said...everyone had the Vols' number, but not anymore and why that stat really doesn't mean much. This team is for real and Saturday is when they stamp it in with a hobnail boot (see what I did there). The longer the game goes with a close score all the pressure is on Georgia. If you're taking Tennessee with the points do it, this play isn't for everyone I get it. Shoot if you're taking Georgia I get it, Kirby Smart's Dawgs are very for real and are good enough to beat up on anyone. Just something I feel in the air.
Tennessee has won all eight games this season and covered the number seven times. They played two road games and won and covered each and wow did they crush Kentucky last week, 44-6. They also beat Alabama three weeks ago and Hendon Hooker is in the Heisman chase. Tennessee is No. 1 in the CFP Poll. Now let’s take a road trip to Georgia which is undefeated as well. I want to believe Tennessee can win this game, but the reality is that a great defense usually beats the great offense and I’ve also seen relatively the same score the last three seasons in this game, something like Georgia 41-17 in all three. Georgia to cover.
These are two of the most prolific offenses in the country averaging over 40 points per game. They are also very good on the defensive side of the ball. That is what Georgia is known for and the Bulldogs rank second in points allowed. The Vols are also in the top 20 in that category. The game is at Georgia, which is why the Bulldogs are favored, but I do not expect more than a touchdown difference. Besides, I will take Tennessee's offense plus eight points any time.
Wait, what? The team judged as the nation’s best so far by the playoff committee and featuring the Heisman Trophy favorite is receiving this many points? Georgia’s defense is top-notch but a cut below the one that provided a national title last year -- especially with injured LB Nolan Smith, the Dawgs' main pass rusher, gone for the season. Tennessee’s offense is a beaut behind QB Hendon Hooker and is capable of delivering a straight-up win. This line is off by a couple of points.
Tennessee is so much fun to watch, but the Vols haven't been quite the same dynamic offense in their two road games so far and haven't seen a defense near as good as Georgia's (UT managed only 17 points last year) -- even with stud linebacker Nolan Smith lost for the season. The Dawgs will surely want to slow things down as they are 2-9 under Kirby Smart when allowing 30 or more points.