Georgia Football: Tennessee week, pump the breaks on a blowout in Knoxville.
Jeremy Pruitt and company spent their bye week searching for an identity. Rest assured they also spent a large portion of that preparing for an SEC East match-up with the #3 Georgia Bulldogs in Knoxville this coming Saturday.
Between the UGA fan base and Vegas oddsmakers, there was no shortage of motivation. It all started with "checkerboarding Kneeland". We all love taking over opposing teams stadiums but this attempted plan was different. A score of UGA fans began to organize a take over that included coordinating the color of their attire to mimick a Tennessee tradition of an orange and white checkerboard appearance. Only this would be Dawg fans turning the stadium red and black. I even stoked that flame briefly before thinking better of it. You can only imagine how often the football Vols have had to hear about this in their locker room.
Vegas oddsmakers took their shot as well, with their opening line making Georgia a huge 22.5 point favorite, a line that has now climbed to 23.5. If that wasn't enough they also predicted UGA had over a 90% chance to win.
Understand this is not a warning of a potential upset. What it is, is an acknowledgment that we will be facing the most motivated version of this team that has taken the field all season. What do you do when your back is against the wall? You come out swinging and expect nothing less from this group.
When both teams take the field there will be a noticeable difference in talent. The Dawgs will field a team that is lead by some of the highest-rated players in the nation. Tennessee will not be able to make that claim. I fully expect our Dawgs to wear the Vols down and defeat them without very much concern but Tennessee will attempt to make it a fight.
I like Georgia to win this game by a margin of 14-17 points a good bit shy of the over 3 touchdown mark oddsmakers have given us. I really appreciate their confidence but I urge everyone to remain realistic.
It's game week Dawg fans! I'll see you guys in Knoxville and as always, Go Dawgs!
