With four weeks of the NCAA football season in the books, there is an SEC contest between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs. Both teams had extremely different expectations entering the season and nothing much has changed since then. Georgia is currently ranked seventh in the country according to the AP poll and is poised to potentially win a national championship. Meanwhile, Tennessee is 3-1 but has looked anything but impressive over the first four games. However, a victory over this top ten foe would definitely help silence the doubters and put Tennessee back on the map.
Georgia started the season with extremely high hopes. The Bulldogs have lived up to those expectations so far are are currently undefeated. The most impressive part of their season thus far is who the Bulldogs have beaten. In the first four weeks, Georgia has already defeated top 25 ranked Notre Dame on the road and top 25 ranked Mississippi State at home. If Georgia managed to run the table for the rest of the season, expect them to be in the college football playoffs.
Georgia’s success is due to freshman quarterback Jake Fromm. Fromm was expected to be the backup quarterback this season behind Jacob Eason. However, Eason got injured earlier this year and Fromm was thrown under the fire as the immediate replacement. However, Fromm has looked remarkable this season and has thrown for seven touchdowns and only one interception. Fromm has looked extremely good as the starter and one has to wonder if Eason will get his starting quarterback job back when he is healthy once again.
However, Fromm’s success is also due to the success of Georgia’s running game this season. Georgia currently has three elite running backs on the roster and their success had opened up a lot of holes in the secondary for Fromm to exploit. Running backs Nick Chubb, D’Andre Swift and Sony Michel are each averaging over five yards per carry and have at least one touchdown. Either running back could be a starter on the majority of college football teams in division I. Unfortunately for all the other teams, Georgia has all three.
Tennessee started the season with somewhat low expectations. The Volunteers had to replace both their starting quarterback and running back from last season. However, despite those losses, the Volunteers were still ranked in the AP top 25 at the start of the season. In week one, Tennessee had to pull off a remarkable comeback against Georgia Tech and won 42-41 in double overtime. However, Tennessee’s luck ran out against the Florida Gators in their third game of the season in which the Volunteers lost on a Hail Mary pass with no time left.
Tennessee’s 3-1 record is due to star running back John Kelly. Kelly is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and also has six touchdowns. Kelly’s success has helped the Volunteers overcome rather lackluster quarterback play. Tennessee’s quarterbacks have combined to throw seven touchdowns and four interceptions so far this season. If Tennessee plans on pulling off this upset, their quarterbacks will need to play one of their best games.
As for predictions, I expect Georgia to win by a few touchdowns. Tennessee has looked extremely unimpressive this season against weaker competition and now has to play a top ten team. Personally, I think Georgia’s three headed monster in the backfield will be too much to handle and I see Tennessee having no answers. Georgia has the better quarterback and the better defense so I really cannot see how the Volunteers can keep this game close.
Georgia vs. Tennessee: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: Georgia vs. Tennessee
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Start Time: 3:30 P.M. EST
Location: Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN
Broadcast: CBS
How To Watch Georgia vs. Tennessee Online & Mobile
CBS App
Mobile user can watch the game using the CBS app (iTunes Store | Google Play Store | Amazon Store| Windows). You’ll need a cable subscription though, like you would watching it on your desktop.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a service that allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand TV channels on TVs, computer or mobile device. It’s just like a cable or satellite TV service, except it’s delivered over the internet. You can sign up for Sling TV’s free 7-day trial. If you cancel your subscription within seven days, you will not be charged. Once signed up, simply download the app for your computer or mobile device to start watching.
