Georgia football: 6 quick bold predictions for the Tennessee game

Georgia football holds Tennessee to under 100 rush yards for 5th straight meeting

Defensively, Georgia football needs to make another statement, and while they have made some form of a statement each week, it’s time to lay down the hammer.

Last week the Dawgs gave up over 100 rushing yards for the first time since Week 2 against UAB. Missouri was able to make plays on the ground, and the Dawgs looked sluggish against the Tigers.

However, those minor mistakes they made are in the past as this group went to the “doctor” on Monday, watched the film, and have worked all week on the perfect defensive game plan.

The last four meetings between Georgia and Tennesse have resulted in absolute dominance from the Dawgs in terms of rush defense. In 2017, Georgia allowed 62 yards on the ground, 2018 saw 66 yards, 2019 saw 70, and last year the Dawgs gave up -1 rushing yards to the Vols.

Head coach Kirby Smart and his defensive coordinator Dan Lanning have owned the Vols the last few years, so why would this matchup be any different? Hendon Hooker can use his legs to make plays, but the Dawgs need to shut him down on Saturday.

Yes, Tennessee has Tiyon Evans and Jabari Small, who average over five yards a touch, but Georgia has shut this group down before, and they will do it again on Saturday.

Whoever rushes for more yards will be the winner, so the Dawgs must stop the Vols rush attack in a dominating way. If they force the Vols to throw all night, it increases the chances for mistakes, and if this Georgia defense likes to do anything — it’s force mistakes.

Georgia makes it five straight meetings against the Vols where they hold them to under 100 yards and show Tennessee they aren’t on the same level.