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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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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 45-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara give Tennessee weapons of their own in the run game. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee Offense vs. Georgia Defense:

Tennessee’s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the country this season. They have all the pieces. The most important piece is their quarterback, Joshua Dobbs. Dobbs is a dynamic athlete who can beat you with his arm or his legs. Last season he picked up 2291 yards through the air and 671 on the ground. Perhaps even more importantly, he is experienced and takes care of the ball, throwing just 5 picks last year.

In addition, the Vols have a phenomenal one-two punch at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara. The two are perfect complements to one another. Hurd is big and physical, while Kamara is small and fast. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a veteran offensive line to run behind. The Vols return four of five starters and former 5-star recruit Drew Richmond is ready to fill the gap at left tackle.

In the receiving corps the Vols have two experienced options in the forms of Josh Smith and Josh Malone. Ethan Wolf also returns at tight end. Add in Kamara out of the backfield and that is a lot of weapons for Dobbs to choose from when he looks to go to the air.

Georgia’s defensive front seven was absolutely gutted after last season. They have zero returning starters at defensive line and linebacker. Sophomore Trent Thompson has all the tools to be a great defensive tackle, but as for who plays on either side of him it’s pretty much wide open.

At linebacker the Dawgs have a plethora of talented young options. These include Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy on the outside, along with Reggie Carter and Natrez Patrick on the inside. None of the Dawgs expected starters in the front seven this year are seniors. Which means that next year they will be one of the more veteran units in the league. They just have to survive some growing pains this season.

Speaking of veteran units, Georgia’s secondary certainly is that. They return all four starters including safety Dominick Sanders. Sanders will be looked to for leadership this season by the younger players in front of him.

Advantage: Tennessee

Next: Special Teams and Coaching

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