The highly anticipated clash between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers is set for this weekend at Sanford Stadium in Athens. This SEC showdown marks the 54th meeting between these two storied programs, with UGA currently leading the series 28-23-2.

  The number 12 Dawgs come into this game with a record of 7-2, looking to rebound from a disappointing 28-10 loss at Number 11 Ole Miss. With playoff aspirations on the line, they desperately need a victory to keep their hopes alive.

   Georgia boasts a strong defense, ranked 16th nationally, allowing an average of 18.4 points per game.

   Carson Beck has thrown for 2,488 yards this season, but has had a recent propensity for interceptions. Running back Trevor Etienne leads the ground attack with 477 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

  Tennessee (Ranked No. 7) enters the game with an impressive 8-1 record, having recently defeated Mississippi State 33-14, and ranked teams in Oklahoma 25-15, Alabama 24-17 and Kentucky 28-18.

   The Volunteers feature a potent offense, averaging 37.6 points per game, and a formidable defense that ranks 5th nationally, allowing just 12.6 points per game23.

   Junior defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. was named a semifinalist for its 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year award, the fourth-oldest college football award in the nation.

  There is a question at quarterback. Nico Iamaleava is in concussion protocol, but has practiced with Tennessee in the days since leaving early in the Mississippi State game.

   “Nico has been good here in the early part of the week,” Head Coach Josh Heupel said on the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday. “And at this point in the week, I’ll refer everybody to the availability report that comes out later tonight. And everybody can wait with anticipation for that.”

   Iamaleava has completed 65.2% of his passes for 1,879 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.

  This matchup is critical for both teams: Georgia needs to win to maintain its chances for a spot in the College Football Playoff, especially after their recent loss. And, they still have a chance to play in the SEC Championship Game.

   Tennessee aims to solidify its position as a playoff contender with only one loss this season.

   Historically, Georgia has dominated this rivalry, winning the last seven meetings by at least two scores and holding Tennessee’s offense under 20 points in six of those games.

   UGA is favored by 10.5 points, with an over/under set at 48.5 points for the game. Predictions suggest a close contest, with some analysts projecting a final score of Georgia 28, Tennessee 20.

   Fans can catch the action live on ABC, with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on commentary. ESPN’s College GameDay will also be present for pregame coverage starting at 9:00 a.m.

   As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an electric atmosphere at Sanford Stadium.