Georgia linebacker Amarlo HerreraATHENS, Ga. – Tennessee has all new faces on its offensive line this season, while Georgia has all familiar faces at linebacker and returning experience on its defensive front as well.
The Bulldogs like that aspect entering Saturday’s showdown at Sanford Stadium.
“You always want to dominate the line of scrimmage,” Georgia senior inside linebacker Amarlo Herrera said this week, “and when you have a chance against guys who haven’t played before or haven’t played a lot, then that’s a great opportunity for you. It’s fun to play around with guys who haven’t played before, because you can mess up their protection.”
One of the biggest potential mismatches favoring Georgia this week is its defensive front seven against the rebuilding offensive line of the Volunteers. Tennessee coach Butch Jones said this week that there could be many instances in which an entire side of his offense is comprised of true freshmen: right guard Jayshon Robertson, right tackle Coleman Thomas, tight end Ethan Wolf and receiver Josh Malone.
Tennessee ranks last in the Southeastern Conference with nine sacks allowed through three games, while Georgia has collected eight sacks in its three contests. Herrera has three sacks to lead the Bulldogs, while sophomore outside linebacker Leonard Floyd has two.