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Tennessee football at Georgia: 10 keys to the game

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 3, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; A general view of the stadium prior to the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Eric Stokes (27) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Mike Woods (8) during the third quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Eric Stokes (27) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Mike Woods (8) during the third quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Can either team score a non-offensive touchdown?

Through the first two games, both teams have had a non-offensive touchdown. Tennessee football was able to hold off the South Carolina Gamecocks thanks to a critical pick-six by Henry To’o To’o. If To’o To’o doesn’t come down with that, then the entire game might have turned out completely different, as they only win 31-27 in Columbia, S.C. that night.

The same weekend, the Georgia Bulldogs had finally pulled ahead of the Arkansas Razorbacks. After trailing 10-5 in the third quarter, they reeled off two straight touchdowns go up 20-10. When Arkansas got the ball back, Eric Stokes came down with an interception and ran it 30 yards back for a score, giving the Dawgs a 27-10 lead and complete control of the game.

Such touchdowns have been a staple of this series when both teams are at full strength. UT’s Hail Mary win at the Dawgs four years ago was first set up by a strip-sack in the end zone from Derek Barnett, which Corey Vereen recovered for a touchdown. Georgia had a fumble and punt return for touchdowns in 2015 before the Vols fought back to win.

In fact, dating back to 1999, there has been at least one non-offensive score in this series 13 time. Three of the games, including the aforementioned 2015 game, have had two non-offensive scores. Things like the Sean Jones fumble return in 2003 and the blocked punt to hang 50 in Athens, Ga. in 2006 stand out. One team will need one this week.

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