NO. 11 TENNESSEE (4-0, 1-0 SEC) AT NO. 25 GEORGIA (3-1, 1-1)
3:30 p.m. ' Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. ' CBS/106.5 FM
Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) escapes the grasp of Florida's Caleb Brantley (57). The Florida Gators visited the Tennessee Volunteers in a important SEC football contest at Neyland Stadium on September 24, 2016.THE MATCHUP
After struggling to defend Missouri's Drew Lock and Ole Miss's Chad Kelly, Georgia faces Josh Dobbs one week after the Tennessee quarterback passed for 319 yards - surpassing the career high he set against the Bulldogs last season - and led the second-half comeback against Florida.
Dobbs had seven completions of 20 or more yards against the Gators, while Georgia surrendered 17 completions of 15 or more yards to the Tigers and Rebels.
Tennessee will continue to rely on its ground game and again needs an improved effort from its offensive line, but the Vols have shown a new knack to hit some big plays through the air.
"I just think we've improved our deep ball game so much, and we talked about that," Vols offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said. "We've talked to you guys about that, about how we have improved that. That showed up in this last ball game."
Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle celebrates after making a play in the second half of Tennessee's win against Florida on Sept. 24, 2016. (Photo By Craig Bisacre/Tennessee Athletics)ONE TO WATCH
Though both sides have downplayed it, one angle to watch involves Tennessee defensive tackle Shy Tuttle, who suffered a season-ending injury in this game last season when Georgia center Brandon Kublanow dove at the back of his legs.
Tuttle returned from his broken leg and is playing well, and despite what's been said publicly the Vols haven't forgotten what they strongly believed was a dirty play. It could lead to an inspired effort by Tuttle and his fellow defensive linemen - and perhaps some after-the-whistle activity.
"We're not focused on what happened last year," Vols defensive end Derek Barnett said. "We're focused on attacking this week as best as we can and coming out and getting this 'W.' Shy, he's going to have great practice this week. He's ready to attack practice well. He's excited to play for this game, I'm going to say that."
Georgia running back Sony Michel (1) lunges past Mississippi defensive back Montrell Custis (25) and defensive back Jaylon Jones (31) for a short gain during the second half of their NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 45-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)IN THE END
Tennessee's win against Florida was undeniably significant, but now it's about what the Vols do with it. Based on its talent level, Georgia is better than it showed in last week's evisceration at Ole Miss, but the absence of running back Nick Chubb won't help.
The Vols' veteran roster should keep them from suffering a Florida hangover, and the Vols' recipe for success remain the same. If the offensive line builds off its performance against the Gators, Dobbs & Co. could have a field day, and the defensive line's play will be key to keeping Georgia behind the sticks and protecting a spotty secondary from having to defend too many deep passes by freshman QB Jacob Eason.
This looks like a favorable matchup even for the inconsistent Vols, but in its first road game Tennessee can't afford to fall behind by double digits again.
PREDICTION: TENNESSEE 33, GEORGIA 21