3 bold predictions for Tennessee vs. Georgia in monster SEC matchup
By John Buhler
Bold predictions for Tennessee at Georgia: 2. Hendon Hooker will have his fair share of Heisman Trophy-contending throws
Win or lose, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker will stay in the mix for the Heisman Trophy. The Vols offense is too explosive for the vaunted Georgia defense to keep Tennessee off the scoreboard entirely. He will make a handful of big-time throws when his team needs him to the most. There may be a few mistakes made by him as well, but Hooker will keep them in the game.
In a way, Hooker will make a handful of plays in the passing game that will remind us all of what transpired in Atlanta last December between Alabama and Georgia in the 2021 SEC Championship Game. Although the game is not going to be heavily in Tennessee’s favor, this will be a game that will help elevate Hooker’s Heisman Trophy candidacy, as well as his quickly rising NFL Draft stock.
Big-time players will make big-time plays, as that is precisely what Hooker will do for Tennessee.
Bold predictions for Tennessee at Georgia: 1. Home Dawgs win and cover to stay perfect, reclaim top spot in CFP rankings
What does Las Vegas know that we don’t know? Even though most of the money is on Tennessee in this game, Georgia has been more than a touchdown favorite since the betting line first opened. Home-field advantage usually gives a team a three-point edge, but the line has been closer to 10 than it has to three. Clearly, the sharp money is on the Dawgs to win and cover to stay undefeated.
It is the combination of the game being in Athens, as well as the Dawgs having the better all-around defense. Georgia may have to win a shootout to some degree, but the Vols defense better come ready to play. If this game were in Knoxville, or in a neutral site, the result may be different. However, it is so hard to overlook the home crowd factor being in Georgia’s favor in this ballgame.
Georgia will probably win by 10 to 14 points on Saturday, as the Dawgs reclaim the No. 1 ranking.
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