Across the ball: Three key matchups for UGA-UT

Here’s the thing: I’m actually not too concerned about Georgia’s defense against Tennessee. The Bulldogs are strong at each level and have the personnel to keep Tennessee’s offense from engaging in a shootout.

It’s easy to worry about Tennessee’s offense given what it did against East Tennessee State. Last Saturday, the Volunteers accounted for 734 total yards — 458 passing, 276 rushing — in a 72-17 win.

However, Georgia’s secondary has looked strong and the front seven has been stout. While the Volunteers won’t get completely stonewalled, it will be a surprise if they score at such a rapid pace. The Georgia defense will need to step up, obviously, for the Bulldogs to come away with a win. It’s just not among the top three matchups I have slated for this game.

With that stated, here are the three key matchups I’m interested in the most.

Gunner Stockton vs. Tennessee’s secondary

Much of Monday’s media availability was spent discussing Stockton and his downfield passing — or lack thereof. Sure, Stockton has done a good job getting the ball out quick. But most of these passes have been quick screens, quick slants, quick outs, and short-to-intermediate throws.

Against better competition, and beginning with the Volunteers, Stockton will need to test defenses by taking vertical shots. And at least on the outside, Stockton should have an advantage as Tennessee will once again be without both Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III. Colorado transfer Colton Hood and and freshman Ty Redmond are expected to step up once again in their absence.

For the Bulldogs, this could be an opportunity for speedy transfers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas to break out in a big way. But that can only happen if Stockton is a bit more aggressive than he has been in Georgia’s first two games.

For what it’s worth, Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli completed 23 of 40 passes for 274 yards, a touchdown and an interception. There should be some plays to be had in the passing game.

Georgia’s run blocking vs. Tennessee’s defensive line

Basically, this game is going to fall on the offense’s shoulders.

While Stockton will need to test the Tennessee defense through the air, Georgia has to establish the run much better than it did against Austin Peay. While 190 yards sounds fine, it came on 40 carries. That’s good for 4.8 yards per carry, which isn’t that great against an FCS opponent.

While Tennessee’s secondary gave up some passing plays in its opener against Syracuse, the run defense has been stingy. The Orange only mustered 103 rushing yards against the Volunteers, albeit after falling into a deep hole early.

While Georgia will feature Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens prominently, this feels like an opportunity to break Dwight Phillips Jr. loose. In these first two games, Phillips has shown an extra burst the other backs don’t have, and his speed could be put to good use Saturday.

Battle of the punters

If we believe this will be a close game — and I do in fact believe this — then special teams will have a vital role. Both Georgia and Tennessee possess two of the best punters in the country in Brett Thorson and Jackson Ross, respectively.

Thorson returned last week following an ACL tear suffered in last season’s SEC Championship and nailed a long of 54 yards against Austin Peay. Against Syracuse, Ross landed three of four punts inside the 20-yard line and nailed a long of 56. Against East Tennessee State, Ross punted only once — a 36-yard punt from the Buccaneers’ 39-yard line.

Remember, it was in 2022 when Thorson completely changed the trajectory of Georgia’s game against Tennessee with an incredible 75-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the 1-yard line. Often overlooked, the punt game offers multiple opportunities for hidden yardage, and this should be a key area to watch on Saturday.

ICYMI

Colbie Young and Georgia lack no faith in Stockton.

Young is grateful to have another year in Georgia.

An update on Georgia’s injury situation.

The nation’s No. 1 safety has his eye on some of the top college programs.

The latest on five-star prospect David Jacobs.