Top SEC Games: Week 6 Edition
Oct 3, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Neyland Stadium. Arkansas won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
19 Georgia VS Tennessee
Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
Game Time: Saturday, October 10 3:30PM ET
TV: CBS
Did anyone really see the shellacking Georgia would take from Alabama last Saturday coming? I sure didn’t. I made the mistake of picking the Bulldogs at home in a nail-biter. Was it more of Alabama letting the world know they’re not done as a powerhouse, or was it more of Georgia just collapsing on themselves as per usual? I think it was a combination of both.
Oct 3, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Brice Ramsey (12) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t think Georgia matched up very well against the Tide’s strengths, but I also think there’s some issues in Athens…primarily confidence. Georgia once again lost a big game in the regular season and is now forced to head a little north to Knoxville to take on Tennessee program that has lost any hope on a breakout 2015 season. The Vols certainly had their opportunities against the Razorbacks last Saturday night. Although they lost, Tennessee can still land in a bowl game during the holidays. Major work remains, however.
How hot is the seat on which Butch Jones sits becoming? Even with a home loss to Georgia, the Vols will have opportunities. It just won’t be what they were shooting for when the season started. How will Georgia respond from the embarrassing home loss in the rain last Saturday? Will we get a Mark Richt team that plays to its potential, or will Georgia show up in Knoxville uninspired? Georgia still has much to play for with the Easter Division well within reach. How will the crowd be in Neyland Stadium? History suggests it will be packed house, which is par for the course when Georgia comes to town.
Look for an interesting matchup that will pit will-power against will-power. The team that decides to show up Saturday night will win the ball game. Tennessee’s pride is on the line, and Georgia’s Atlanta hopes are on the line. A second conference loss for the Bulldogs will take destiny out of their control.