Tennessee football vs. Georgia: 10 keys to the game for Vols and Bulldogs

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Sep 4, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Derion Kendrick (11) with defensive back Ameer Speed (9) and linebacker Adam Anderson (19) during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. What can the Vols do to avoid getting sacked every play?

Sticking with the matchup advantage, this is where Tennessee football can be in serious trouble. The Vols can have their drives killed by sacks, and they have a major problem at avoiding them. That didn’t improve after the bye week either.

For the year, the Vols allow 3.67 sacks a game, which is down at No. 124. They’ve gotten worse too, as they have allowed at least five sacks in three of the last four games, including five sacks last week. Some of it is on Hendon Hooker holding onto the ball too long trying to make a play, but the protection has been an issue at times as well.

On the other side, Georgia’s defense is historically great, and part of that is the pass rush. UGA gets 3.11 sacks a game, good for No. 13 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC. Ole Miss is No. 1, and they came away with six sacks against the Vols.

Simply put, this team is in for a rough ride on Saturday. A lot of Hooker’s mobility is nullified by how many yards he often loses on these sacks. That’s the last thing this team can afford if it’s going to have any shot on Saturday against such an elite defense.

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