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Tennessee football at Georgia: Keys to the game for Vols and Dawgs

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jeremy Pruitt of the Tennessee Volunteers brings his team onto the field prior to a game against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers at Neyland Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennesee won the game 59-3. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images
Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images /

2. Will Georgia be able to generate a pass rush?

This is another reason that whether or not Tennessee’s offensive line gels is a huge key to the game. If they get things going, they could benefit from a major weakness that their opponent has on the other side of the field.

The Georgia Bulldogs have not generated any pass rush all year long. That’s a huge plus for Tennessee football, as Jarrett Guarantano has been very good when he’s had time to throw the ball. The combination of the two could make for a more impressive Saturday than you might think.

For the year, the Dawgs only have three sacks, and they have all come from linebacker D’Andre Walker. Now, to be fair, they do have 12 quarterback hurries, but things could still be a heck of a lot better for a Kirby Smart-led defense.

Related Story. 5 Vols to watch for at Georgia. light

The fact of the matter is the Dawgs are young on the front seven. Losing Trenton Thompson at defensive tackle along with Roquan Smith at linebacker has caused a bit of a transition for this defense, and it gives the Vols a chance to get things going in the passing game.

Things came apart early against Florida because the Gators torched the Vols with their pass rush. Georgia, believe it or not, doesn’t have the same type of rush. So maybe, just maybe, Tennessee could protect Guarantano on Saturday.

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