Kendall's Matchup Edge: Georgia vs. Tennessee

ATHENS - Josh Kendall breaks down who has the edge in Georgia's game against Tennessee.

Rushing

Georgia rushes for 88 more yards a game than Tennessee, and its backs are second in the conference in yards per carry. Still, running the ball is Tennessee’s thing. The Vols probably will have their healthiest offensive line of the season and will lean on Gerald Riggs, the SEC’s second-leading rusher.

Edge: Tennessee

Passing

Unless Tennessee turns things around mightily, this is the most lopsided matchup of the game. Tight ends Leonard Pope and Martrez Milner could play a huge role for the Bulldogs, while Vols quarterback Rick Clausen can’t stretch the field due to his weaker than average arm.

Edge: Georgia

Defense

Tennessee’s defense is not ranked quite as highly as Georgia’s, butthe Vols have faced two quality SEC offenses, Florida and LSU. The Bulldogs’ two conference opponents, South Carolina and Mississippi State, rank 10th and 12th, respectively, in the SEC in yards gained. Georgia has been more opportunistic, though, forcing 14 turnovers to UT’s eight.

Edge: Tennessee

Special Teams

This may be a game dominated by the defenses, and that might be a good sign for Georgia since its punting game is so much better. The Bulldogs are fourth in the SEC in punting and third in punt return. Tennessee is 11th, and 103rd nationally, in punting and 10th in punt return. Georgia’s place-kicker, Brandon Coutu (75 percent), is more reliable than Tennessee’s, James Wilhoit (50 percent). Both teams kickoff return team is awful.

Edge: Georgia