In the two big tests that Tennessee has faced in 2013 -- games against Oregon and Florida -- the Volunteers didn’t fare well. Oregon blew the Vols completely out of the water, while the Florida game included a quarterback disaster of epic proportions.
How to watch Georgia vs. Tennessee 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Here’s all the info you need to catch Saturday’s game between Georgia and Tennessee.
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Next up is Georgia, and the Vols most likely don’t have enough pieces to keep pace with the Bulldogs. Unlike those other two games, though, this one is in Knoxville, which helps.
Georgia, meanwhile, has to be wary of the dreaded letdown performance after winning in thrilling fashion over LSU last weekend -- though the Bulldogs can survive even if they aren’t at their sharpest.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Georgia comes in at 3-1 (2-0) and ranked sixth in both major polls. The unranked Volunteers are 3-2 (0-1)
Weather: A high in the mid-80s is anticipated, and there is a chance of rain.
Three names to know
Aaron Murray -- He's been outstanding all season, and he's coming off a game in which he threw for 298 yards and four scores. That's actually his lowest yardage output of the season thus far. Tennessee may not be capable of slowing him down, and if it can't, it's going to be a long day for the Vols' defense.
Justin Worley -- After the failed Nathan Peterman experiment in the Florida game, this is once again Worley's show. The Vols would probably prefer to limit his involvement and lean on the ground attack if at all possible -- it wasn't possible against the Gators -- and they may find some traction against Georgia. Regardless, Worley is going to need to step up his effort and avoid mistakes to give Tennessee a chance here. He's averaging one interception for every 19 pass attempts, and that's not going to cut it.
Todd Gurley / Keith Marshall -- Gurley suffered an ankle sprain against LSU and could be limited, if he's able to play. That leaves Keith Marshall to carry the load, and he's capable.
Two things at stake
With South Carolina and LSU out of the way, there isn’t a lot of resistance left on Georgia’s conference slate. If the Bulldogs get past Tennessee, they could be 6-1 heading into the Florida game, which last year determined the winner of the SEC East. The Bulldogs could tumble against Tennessee and still win the division by taking care of business the rest of the way, but if they’re going to overcome their season-opening loss to Clemson and get back in the national title picture, they have to get a win in Knoxville.
A signature win for Butch Jones in his first season would be a nice feather in the cap, but the Vols are in rebuilding mode, and in terms of their goals this season, the game really only matters in the way it affects their quest for bowl eligibility. They’ve got to scrounge up three more wins the rest of the way to get there.
How to witness
TV: 3:30 p.m., CBS (Verne Lundqvist and Gary Danielson)
Radio: Tennessee’s affiliates are listed here. Florida’s are here.
Online streaming: Catch the game on CBS’ website.
Further reading
Visit Tennessee blog Rocky Talk Top and Georgia blog Dawg Sports for more on this matchup.
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