Georgia Bulldogs vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Predictions
The Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers clash in a marquee SEC opener on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. ESPN’s “College GameDay” is in town as Tennessee looks to snap an eight-year losing streak against Georgia, while the Bulldogs aim to keep their playoff push on track.
Tennessee: Aguilar Steps Into the Spotlight
Joey Aguilar, a transfer from Appalachian State and UCLA, has been steady through his first two starts in orange. Aguilar has thrown for 535 yards and five touchdowns across Tennessee’s 2-0 start. Now, he faces the challenge of Georgia’s defense in his first SEC game under the lights in Knoxville.
The Volunteers have handled their early schedule with ease, beating Syracuse and East Tennessee State, but they know Saturday’s game is the real measuring stick. Coach Josh Heupel stressed the opportunity in front of his team, calling Georgia “a really good football team” while emphasizing Tennessee’s need to play physical for four quarters.
Tennessee Snapshot
Category | Stat | Key Note |
---|---|---|
Record | 2-0 | Wins vs Syracuse, ETSU |
QB Joey Aguilar | 535 yds, 5 TDs | First SEC start |
Last Win vs UGA | 2016 | Hail Mary in Athens |
Losing Streak | 8 games | Longest vs Georgia since 1980s |
Georgia: Stockton’s First Road Test
For Georgia, quarterback Gunner Stockton gets his first career road start in front of more than 100,000 fans at Neyland. Stockton has been efficient, throwing for 417 yards and two touchdowns while adding 86 rushing yards and two scores through two home starts. Coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the difficulty of a first SEC road test but expressed confidence in his young quarterback’s preparation.
The Bulldogs haven’t faced a true challenge yet, beating Marshall 38-0 before cruising past Austin Peay 28-6. Saturday’s game marks their first major test of 2025.
Georgia Snapshot
Category | Stat | Key Note |
---|---|---|
Record | 2-0 | Wins vs Marshall, Austin Peay |
QB Gunner Stockton | 417 pass yds, 4 total TD | First SEC road start |
Series vs UT | Won 8 straight | Dominant stretch |
Last Meeting | 2024, 31-17 UGA | Controlled game in Athens |
Key Matchups to Watch
Tennessee’s offensive line must protect Aguilar against a Georgia front that thrives on pressure. If the Volunteers can establish tempo early, Aguilar has the playmakers to push the ball downfield. On the flip side, Georgia’s ground game led by Stockton’s mobility will be tested by a Tennessee defense that has shown improvement but hasn’t yet faced a top-10 opponent.
The Volunteers’ best chance comes from feeding off the Neyland crowd and forcing Stockton into mistakes in his first hostile road start. The Bulldogs, however, will rely on discipline and their depth advantage to extend their winning streak.
Series History and Rivalry Context
Tennessee last beat Georgia in 2016 on a dramatic Hail Mary, but since then the Volunteers have dropped eight straight to their rivals. Georgia’s run under Kirby Smart has included multiple ranked victories over Tennessee, with last season’s 31-17 win serving as another statement of SEC dominance. With “College GameDay” in Knoxville, the Volunteers hope to write a new chapter.
Picks and Predictions
Both teams enter 2-0, but Georgia has the edge in depth, defense, and big-game experience. Tennessee’s crowd and Aguilar’s poise could keep this game competitive early, but Stockton’s efficiency and Georgia’s defensive edge should carry the day.
My projection leans Georgia 30-21, covering a likely spread in the single digits. Tennessee must avoid turnovers and convert red-zone chances to have any hope of breaking the streak. Bettors can follow the live college football odds and find expert plays on the NCAAF picks page. For broader football betting insights, check the NFL Expert Guide.