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SEC’s Best in-Conference Games 2016: Number 4: UT at UGA

By Justin Melton

Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) breaks a tackle by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Josh Moore (18) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Missouri 9-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sony Michel and Nick Chubb will both need to be healthy if the Dawgs want to move the ball on the ground. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia Offense vs. Tennessee Defense:

he effectiveness of Georgia’s offense this season will be determined by two questions. First, how healthy is Nick Chubb? Second, how good is Jacob Eason. If the answer to both of those questions is “very” Georgia could be poised for a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.

At quarterback this year the Dawgs have three men competing for the starting job. They are: reliably mediocre Greyson Lambert, reckless gunslinger Brice Ramsey, and true freshman wunderkind Jacob Eason. Ramsay’s decision-making is too erratic to win the job. Lambert is solid, if unspectacular. The question is can Eason be spectacular. If so, he gets the nod. If not, he will sit and learn from Lambert.

Georgia’s top-two running backs form one of the most potent duos in the country, but both of them have health concerns. Nick Chubb tore ligaments in his knee against Tennessee last season. Sony Michel broke his arm in an off-season ATV incident. So how healthy are they? Chubb has reportedly been full go in all Fall Camp activities. Michel is being eased back in slowly. From their current statuses, it seems both should be ready to play by October 29th. That’s great news for Dawg fans.

Whoever Georgia’s quarterback ends up being will  be without the services of Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia’s number one option a year ago. That leaves Terry Godwin, Isaiah McKenzie, and Reggie Davis. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney should be able to work with that.

One positive for the Georgia backfield is that the offensive line returns three starters from last season. The unit was a disappointment last season, but should improve this season. Senior center Brandon Kublanow will be a rock in the middle for new o-line coach Sam Pittman to build around.

Last year Tennessee’s defense was solid, though not elite. They ranked 36th in the country in total defense. The good news for the Vols is that pretty much the entire unit is returning for another crack at the division crown.

Derek Barnett is an excellent pass rusher at defensive end, while his counterpart Corey Vereen is more of a veteran run-stuffer. Tackle Kahlil McKenzie has slimmed down in an effort to up his quickness and stamina. The Vols have good depth as well, particularly at end. Wherever Jonathan Kongbo plays expect him to be a terror.

At linebacker Jalen-Reeves Maybin will lead the way. His partner Darrin Kirkland Jr. will be right there with him. Together, they form the critical joint that the entire defense will pivot on. Cortez McDowell looks to man the other side of the linebacking corps.

Tennessee also has one of the premiere cornerbacks in the conference in Cameron Sutton. The only really glaring potential Achilles’ heel of the defense is the safety position. Both of last season’s starters are gone. Todd Kelly Jr. looks to be the man on one side, while the other side may be occupied by the explosive return man Evan Berry.

Advantage: Tennessee

Next: UT O vs. UGA D

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