Tennessee football: Vols, SEC and top 25 predictions for Week 1 of 2019
No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs at Vanderbilt Commodores
TV: SEC Network; Line: Georgia -21; Over/Under: 58.5
Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Vanderbilt Stadium; Nashville, Tenn.
Welcome to the first SEC game of the season. And it features two teams who have beaten Tennessee football each of the past two years, two teams who have been SEC East rivals for the Vols at different times. The Georgia Bulldogs travel to Nashville looking to continue the incredible success they have had the last three years under Kirby Smart.
With Jim Chaney gone, there may be some concern. But the Dawgs have back to back No. 1 recruiting classes, including the greatest class in history in 2018. Those guys have more experience now and are looking to finally get over the hump and capture that ever-elusive national championship ring.
Meanwhile, Derek Mason enters his sixth season with the Vanderbilt Commodores. After two bowl appearances in three years, he’s looking to finally finish with a winning record. Despite losing Kyle Shurmur, his offense has tons of weapons back, most notably Ke’Shawn Vaughn at running back. But will it be enough to make this a game?
Prediction
The answer to our previous question is no. Georgia is just too good this year, and Vanderbilt loses a ton of talent on defense. As a result, D’Andre Swift will torch the ‘Dores on that side of the ball, going for over 200 yards, and Jake Fromm will never get touched. Vandy will rack up some garbage points, though. So UGA covers and the game hits the over.