The Tennessee vs. Georgia game is as historic a matchup in college football as any, with nearly 50 instances of both teams lining up against each other. As two of the original SEC members, both programs have played each other every year, and their annual meeting has often had everything to do with finishing order in the SEC and, more recently, the College Football Playoff (CFP). With both teams battling for a spot in the CFP, this game is only more important as we near the 2024 edition of this rivalry.
As we approach the 2024 edition of this fierce rivalry, fans from Tennessee, Georgia, and even Atlanta are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this historic series.
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Tennessee vs Georgia 2024: Game Overview
Kickoff between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs for their 2024 matchup is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Both teams need this one to keep hope alive for the College Football Playoff. Tennessee is 8-1 on the season and currently ranks No. 7 in the nation, while Georgia comes into this game at No. 12 with a record of 7-2 overall.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Georgia is a 10-point favorite over Tennessee as of mid-November.
Oddsmakers think this will be the lowest-scoring game of the weekend, setting an over/under total points line at 48.5. moneyline: Bulldogs -400, Tennessee +300
Given these odds, however, Tennessee has proven to be able to hold its ground this season against the top-ranked teams. Anything can happen with its defense forcing its will upon Georgia’s offense.
Key Players to Watch
Tennessee Volunteers
- Nico Iamaleava (QB)-The freshman signal-caller has played a vital role in Tennessee’s Tennessee Team’s success this season but is questionable for the contest due to a concussion.
- His performance will be significant for Tennessee if he does play.
- Squirrel White (WR): If Iamaleava weighs a nice turkey to be defeated, White has begun to become one of the WR’s favorite people and will need a great game fish over in Georgia.
Georgia Bulldogs
- QB Carson Beck-It’s been an inconsistent year for Beck, as he has thrown several more interceptions than predicted. However, he remains a crucial player for Georgia’s Georgia offense.
- Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB): As with Georgia’s defense overall, this unit’s success will depend largely on stopping Tennessee’s potent offense.
Head-to-Head History
- The Tennessee vs Georgia all-time series began in 1899 and the Bulldogs lead 28-23-2.
- However, Georgia has owned the matchup recently and has won seven straight games since 2017.
- Tennessee hasn’t beaten Georgia since 2016, the last matchup being a Hail Mary win for the Vols.
Recent Results and Trends
Georgia blew out Tennessee 38-10 in their final meeting during the 2023 season.
Georgia has won seven consecutive games during this stretch, each by at least two touchdowns. The margin of victory over this stretch is a remarkable 26.4 points per game.
College Football Playoff Implications
Some significant College Football Playoff implications for both teams are attached to this game. If Tennessee wins, it guarantees the Volunteers a spot among the top four teams in next week’s CFP rankings and keeps their playoff hopes alive. A loss, however, would most likely knock them out of the running. For Georgia, this is do-or-die territory; one more loss would almost certainly eliminate them from playoff eligibility.
Defensive Showdown: Can Tennessee Stop Georgia?
This matchup features two teams with solid defensive play. Nationally, Tennessee is 1st in rushing defense and 2nd in defensive success rate.
How they handle the run will be critical against a Georgia squad that has been less than impressive offensively in recent weeks. Because all the SEC defenses are so bad this year, Georgia remains among the best of Joe’s in the conference, even though it’s been up and down to varying degrees on that side of the ball today. If Iamaleava is unable to play, they will look to pressure either him or his backup, Gaston More.
Tennessee’s Defensive Strengths
- No. 1 nationally in rushing defense
- Top two in defensive success rate in the SEC
Georgia’s Defensive Strengths
- Consistently strong against both the run and pass
- Experienced linebackers like Jamon Dumas-Johnson lead their unit.
Offensive Struggles: Which Team Will Break Through?
However, both offenses have struggled this season, and the defenses are strong.
Tennessee Offensive Woes
The Volunteer offense has been inconsistent since entering SEC play. In fact, they rank no better than 10th in scoring offense in the league, at just 24.5 points per game.
A lot of it stems from injuries to the offensive line and Iamaleava’s adjustment to college play as a freshman quarterback.
Georgia Offensive Regression
Things have turned out for Georgia QB Carson Beck since last season’s breakout year. In SEC action, he’s thrown more interceptions than touchdown passes. His rhythm has been challenging behind an offensive line that hasn’t yet provided consistent protection.
How to Watch Tennessee vs Georgia Live
For fans eager to catch this thrilling matchup live:
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Sanford Stadium – Athens, GA
- TV Channel: ABC
- Live Streaming: Available on fuboTV or ESPN+
Conclusion
Tennessee vs. Georgia: One of the hottest rivalries in college football is Tennessee vs. Georgia, and the battle is undoubtedly one of the highlights every season. With playoff positions on the line and two solid defenses facing each other, this year’s matchup will be another chapter in their storied rivalry. That’s a game you’ll have to watch, whether you’re pulling for the Volunteers or the Bulldogs.
How does this game impact College Football Playoff chances?
If either Team wins, it still has a shot at a CFP spot, while the loser could be eliminated from playoff consideration.
