Everything you need to know about Tennessee football vs Georgia

Tennessee football is preparing for its biggest game of the season with its trip to Athens, Georgia, on deck to take on the Bulldogs. The Vols have one loss in the season, and this game could be a do-or-die for their hopes for the College Football playoff. 

The Vols come into this week boasting the longest win streak in the conference since its lone loss against Arkansas earlier in the season. Since that loss, Tennessee has earned wins over rivals Kentucky, Florida, and Alabama throughout its win streak. 

For Georgia, their outlook is a little different. Tennessee is currently in the College Football Playoff picture, but the Bulldogs are on the outside looking in as the No. 13 seed in the expanded 12-team Playoff. This means Georgia would be the first team out if the CFP started today. 

While this game could be do-or-die for Tennessee, it is also do-or-die for Georgia. The Bulldogs have already suffered two losses on the year, and a third would end any hope they have of making the CFP this season. 

Matchup History

Tennessee and Georgia have played 53 times throughout the history of its rivalry. Tennessee won the first matchup 5-0 in 1899, but it has been all Bulldogs since 2017, which has given them a 28-23-2 lead over the Vols all-time. 

Since the two teams have been playing yearly, Georgia holds an 18-12 advantage over Tennessee. The Vols dominated the series from 1992 to 1999, but it has been virtually all Bulldogs since the turn of the century. Tennessee has only had two wins against Georgia since 2010 and six wins since 2000. 

Betting Lines

Tennessee opened as a touchdown underdog when the lines opened last week. Since then, Georgia has only grown as a bigger favorite. The Bulldogs were up to an 11.5-point favorite earlier this week, but the line has since settled at 9.5 points in favor of Georgia. 

The over/under for this week's game is set at 47.5. Based on those odds, Vegas believes we could be looking at a 28-20 type of game, with Georgia coming out victorious at home. 

Availability Report

This week's availability report has been the most important for Tennessee this season. Star freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava headlines the report after sitting out the second half against Mississippi State and not returning to the sidelines due to injury. 

It was reported earlier this week that Nico was in concussion protocol. However, as of Thursday's availability report, he is still listed as questionable alongside wide receiver Dont'e Thornton and offensive lineman Vysen Lang. 

Georgia is out of three running backs: Roderick Robinson II, Trevor Etienne, and Branson Robinson. Running back Cash Jones is also listed as questionable, alongside wide receiver Anthony Evans III and offensive lineman Micah Morris. 

Kickoff and Broadcast

Tennessee and Georgia headline the weekend of conference play. They are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM ET on ABC. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will be on the call, and Holly Rowe will be running the sidelines.