The Tennessee Volunteers are now the frontrunner to win the SEC East after being Florida last weekend, and now comes perhaps the last big hurdle in Georgia. Tennessee has to travel to Athens for this one, but that doesn't mean they're underdogs. Here are three reasons why the Vols are guaranteed to beat Georgia on Saturday:
3) Josh Dobbs' improved play
Dobbs' struggles had really limited Tennessee's offense this season, but he broke out in a BIG way against the Gators, passing for 319 yards and four touchdowns - both of which were career highs. Josh Malone has stepped up and finally given him a go-to receiver, which has made a big difference in Dobbs' confidence throwing the ball down the field. He won't play that well every time out, but just knowing they have the option to throw the ball all over the field makes this offense even more difficult to defend.
2) Tennessee's defense
The Vols are giving up just 21 points per game so far this season - one of the better marks among teams that have actually played someone - and they flexed their muscle in the second half against Florida. Six of the Gators' seven second half drives ended without a first down, and two of them ended in turnovers, allowing their comeback to happen.
Georgia's offense hasn't exactly been a juggernaut this season, and true freshman Jacob Eason has looked every bit like a first year player under center. Look for the Vols to stack the line of scrimmage to stop Nick Chubb and bring various exotic blitzes to confuse Eason.
1) Belief
It cannot be overstated how huge beating Florida was for this Tennessee team. Ending a decade-long drought to a bitter rival can give any team a lift, but doing it in the fashion they did means something else. Georgia is the only other team thought to compete with the Vols for the SEC East title, so with a win in this game, the Vols essentially build a two-game lead in the division. Knowing that (and riding that wave of emotion from beating Florida), Tennessee will come out and play inspired ball.
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