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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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Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Can Kirby Smart lead the Bulldogs to a win? Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Georgia’s special teams has some major questions. First and foremost, who will be the kicker? It is currently a two-man battle between Rodrigo Blankenship and William Ham. Evidently the two are in a dead heat. The second question is how will freshman Marshall Long do as the punter. Smart thought highly enough of him to offer him a scholarship, but he still has to prove it on the field. The good news for Georgia’s special teams is that they have one of the most explosive return men in SEC history in Isaiah McKenzie. He has returned four punts and one kick for touchdowns in two seasons.

Tennessee’s special teams, on the other hand, are stacked. Kicker Aaron Medley is the weakest link but he still managed to hit 21 of 31 field goals. Punter Trevor Daniel set a program record a season ago by averaging 45.7 yards per punt. Tennessee also has a pair of lethal return men. Evan Berry averaged 38.3 yards per kickoff return and scored three touchdowns. On punt returns, Cam Sutton scored two touchdowns of his own.

Butch Jones has head coaching experience, and has had decent success. Kirby Smart has never coached a game as the head man.

Advantage: Tennessee

Next: Prediction and Conclusion

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