Can Georgia football cover the spread against Tennessee?

Georgia football takes on the Vols Saturday, and the spread is quite large. Can the Dawgs find a way to cover it?

The next opponent for Georgia football is the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. Currently, the spread is Georgia Bulldogs (-25) at Tennessee with the o/u at 51.5.

A 25 point spread can be difficult to cover, regardless of who you are or who you’re playing. There’s a lot to keep in mind, especially with tougher opponents remaining on the schedule.

My other position outside of writing here at Dawn of the Dawg is I write as a professional handicapper for a popular website. That doesn’t mean I’m never wrong. It merely means I consider a ton of information before making a bet, regardless if it’s professional athletes or college students playing for an education.

Here’s a free tip, something you won’t find very often in the sports betting industry.

Don’t read something I write and put yourself in a financial struggle. It takes the fun out of putting a few dollars on a game. That’s not entertainment, and it’s not very smart. Let’s look at the numbers a little better for this week’s matchup.

To cover 25 points over the game, Georgia will need to outscore Tennessee by 12 and a half points per half.

That’s something I see them doing without a problem. The Dawgs are currently averaging 42.8 points a game while giving up only 10 points to their opponents.

Tennessee has found the endzone for 26 points each week while giving up 25.3. Still, that’s not enough information to be running off to the nearest bookie.

Jake Fromm and the boys have been able to move the gall for 508.8 yards a game. Fromm has been tossing the ball for 255 yards while D’Andre Swift and company are running for 253 yards.

Defensively, Tennessee gives up 339.8 yards to opponents, 190 through the air, and 149.8 on the ground. Usually, those numbers deserve a ton of attention, especially what Tennessee’s done against the pass.

Other than the Florida game, the Vols haven’t played anyone who’s a threat on offense.

Georgia has been beating up everyone when they’re on the defensive side of the ball. They give up an average of 262.5 yards of total offense. The Dawgs have been lights out against the run, holding opponents to just 57 yards.

As I mentioned before, their opponents have only been able to score 10 points per game.

As impressive as those numbers are, Georgia’s in the same position. Other than their last game against Notre Dame, they haven’t played anyone significant.

I know, I know. Vanderbilt is an SEC team. Let me ask you something. Would you put money on Vandy beating anyone in the SEC? If your answer is yes, please get ahold of me on Twitter. I have a proposition for you.

You didn’t start reading this to have the game broken down. You simply wanted to know if the Georgia Bulldogs are a safe bet against the Vols and 25 points.

I can’t help it, though. Someone mentions the money I work hard for, and numbers start flying around in my head. I take betting very seriously. It’s not just a bet to me. It’s my career as a handicapper.

Yes, I have a few dollars on Georgia covering the spread this week. I also like the total going over 51.5 points. I made my bet first thing Monday morning when the numbers were a little more favorable for Georgia.

Still, I don’t see 25 points being too much for the Dawgs to handle.

As important as all those numbers are in a game, here’s the thing. Yes, Georgia comes into this one ranked No. 3 in the polls. That being said, depending on if you like the AP Poll or the list the coaches throw together, things are all knotted up No. 3-7.

If Georgia wins at Tennessee, it’s no big deal. They’re the Bulldogs, and it’s expected. That’s what being a favorite means. However, if they go into Knoxville and light up the scoreboard against the Volunteers, Georgia will separate themselves from LSU, who plays at home against Utah State and Oklahoma, who plays Kansas.

No, Kirby Smart has no interest whatsoever when it comes to winning you some extra beer money for next week. That being said, Smart is highly intelligent, and I think he studies the polls just as much as he does opposing offenses.

Georgia wins and wins big on the road this week.