Tennessee Week: Kendall's Three Keys

ATHENS - Josh Kendall takes a look at Georiga's game with Tennessee.

Score early

Everybody, from Joe Tereshinski to Mark Richt to Richt’s mom (according to Richt), thinks a quick start is just what Georgia’s offense needs to get its confidence back. Any points on the first drive certainly would ease some fears.

Get a turnover

If Tennessee has shown a weakness in any area, it’s turnovers. The Vols have given up the ball nine times this year and are 10th in the SEC in turnover margin. Georgia (nine takeaways, seven giveaways) is fifth in the league in turnover margin. A turnover deep in Tennessee territory would be even better.

Make a play on special teams

In three of Georgia’s four wins this decade, a special teams play has made the difference. Twice it was a punt return for a touchdown (2001, 2005) and once it was a blocked field goal (2002). How about a long kickoff return this year? Returner Thomas Brown said his unit is one block away from springing a big one.

One to watch

When Joe Tereshinski limped off the field at South Carolina, few in the Bulldog Nation shed a tear. Now that the fan base has seen the reality of playing freshmen quarterbacks, it’s ready to welcome him back with open arms. Tereshinski won’t overwhelm anybody with physical talent, but his no-nonsense approach may be just what a floundering offense needs. “Joe T coming back is not going to turn the offense around,” quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo said. “Everybody has got to execute their job and do their job. Joe T cannot go out and win the game by himself. He cannot do anything special, he just has to go out there and be himself.” Tereshinski’s sprained right ankle has responded well in practice this week, and Bobo doesn’t expect his quarterback to have any problems pushing off that ankle today, he said.

Forecast

The Volunteers have played great the last two weeks, beating Marshall and Memphis by a combined score of 74-14. Well it’s just Marshall and Memphis, you say? Georgia played 0-5 Colorado and 1-4 Ole Miss the last two weeks and had to make a late play to win both those games. Georgia absolutely has the ability to beat Tennessee, and probably will, if its offense finds a rhythm and its defense remembers how to tackle again. However, there haven’t been many good signs from the offense lately, and the defense will be facing its sternest test of the year. It’s unlikely, but not impossible, that everything will come together today.

Winner: Tennessee