Why CFB Expert Picks Tennessee As Georgia’s Biggest Threat in 2022

After an undefeated regular-season run in 2021, placing Clemson in week one apart, the schedule didn’t look too daunting for the Bulldogs, which was later backed up by Georgia’s dominant 12-0 report. Now, altering gears and searching ahead to this fall, the schedule appears form to the Bulldogs once more. 

With no Clemson on faucet for the common season, the primary potential “marquee” matchup will are available week one once more, this time in opposition to the PAC-12’s Oregon, whose new head coach Dan Lanning will carry tons of familiarity after serving because the defensive coordinator at Georgia. 

But, the Geese are usually not who longtime faculty soccer journal author Phil Steele believes would be the largest problem for Georgia in 2022. 

“I believe the workforce that is closest to [Georgia] can be Tennessee this yr. Their offense was simply so explosive final yr, averaging 39.3 factors per recreation. They have lots of gamers again – 15 returning starters, one of many extra skilled groups within the SEC. They bring about a few good transfers. Bru McCoy at extensive receiver is one in all them,”

– Phil Steele

Steele added, “I believe they’re the risk as a result of they put factors on the board, however I’ve received them a 10-point underdog at Georgia, and I’ve received them a 10-point underdog at house in opposition to Alabama.” On the floor, Alabama and Georgia being 10-point favorites over the Volunteers is a guess many would take, though the upset odds might be profitable. 

Whereas Tennessee hasn’t overwhelmed Georgia since 2016 when a last-second hail mary landing move from Joshua Dobbs beat the Bulldogs inside Sanford Stadium. Head coach Josh Heupel can have among the best offenses within the SEC in his second yr because the Volunteers’ head coach, which is basically because of the return of quarterback Hendon Hooker and a bunch of receivers. 

The previous Virginia Tech switch was instrumental to the success of the fast-paced air assault that Heupel’s offense confirmed off in yr one. Hooker will return to Knoxville for his senior season after almost throwing for 3,000 yards with 31 touchdowns and three interceptions. 

The high-tempo Volunteer offense and its capability to unfold the sphere gave Georgia’s vaunted protection bother, conserving the sport shut for a lot of the primary quarter. Then, Kirby Good and the defensive workers made a personnel change, shifting security Christopher Smith to the STAR place, and sending starter Latavious Brini to the bench, bringing Dan Jackson off the bench to man the opposite security spot alongside Lewis Cine. 

The personnel change eradicated the potential for Tennessee to show Brini in move protection additional. It in the end helped the Bulldogs win the sport convincingly with a 41-17 end in Knoxville. 

Georgia’s protection misplaced six main contributors from its entrance seven a yr in the past, together with two beginning defensive backs, each of which went off to the NFL. Georgia will now have a brand new steady of linebackers and a a lot youthful, but not missing expertise, defensive position; the pass-happy Tennessee offense will present a a lot anticipated regular-season check. 

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