Tennessee was the No. 1 team in the nation the last time the Vols went to Athens to play Georgia. That didn’t go so well.
The Vols were underdogs, but certainly expected to compete in 2022, when they last travelled to play the Bulldogs. That didn’t happen. The Vols lost to Georgia 27-13 in a game that was much more one-sided than the score might have indicated.
“Obviously a more experienced team,” Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said when asked what might be different when the Vols play at Sanford Stadium on Saturday. “We think we’re talented. Athens is, obviously, a tough place to play just like all the SEC schools.
“We know we’re going to have our work cut out. We’re going to come down there and give it our best shot to be to come out with a victory. The guys are excited about it. They love playing football.”
Turnovers could be key for the Vols if they hope to beat Georgia – and quieten the Bulldogs’ crowd. The Vols have shown they can do that. Tennessee has generated nine turnovers in the last four games.
“I think it’s a credit to the kids and how hard they’re playing and how physical they’re playing,” Banks said. “…I think it’s just because of the guys are playing with such confidence and in how hard they’re playing is leading to some really good takeaways.”
The Vols have several ways in which to create turnovers. However, the best option may be via EDGE rusher James Pearce Jr. who can turn most any passing play into a strip-sack. Pearce has 5 1/2 sacks this season and has been a part of a sack in each of the Vols’ past six games.
“I think James has been playing hard and playing well all year,” Banks said. “…He’s gotten a lot of pressures. I think it’s just him continuing to stay the course, continuing to work hard (and) not worrying about the stats so to speak.”
The Vols have forced 16 turnovers this season, which is sixth best in the SEC. Freshman Boo Carter was the latest to the turnover party, as he registered his first interception of his career at Tennessee last week against Mississippi State.
“I am proud of just how hard he’s playing,” Banks said. “He’s getting better week in and week out, but I can say that about a lot of our guys, but Boo gets it. He understands. He has to continue to put it on tape every week. So far, he’s been up for that challenge.”
That has not been the case for Georgia when it comes to protecting the football. The Bulldogs rank 11th in the SEC with 15 turnovers this season.
“It’s always big,” Banks said of the turnover battle. “We’re always trying to get our ball back for our offense and get those guys a chance to do what they do. I don’t know if it’s any bigger this game than any game that we play. The team that gets the ball the most is usually the team that wins. So, we’re going to do the best we can to create some takeaways.”
Even if the Vols don’t create turnovers against Georgia, they can still win. Tennessee hasn’t given up 20 points to any opponent all season. The Vols rank fifth in the nation in scoring defense, allowing 12.6 points per game.
“They’ve bought into the culture,” Banks said. “We talk about being tough and playing for each other and playing with great respect for the game. So I just think we’ve got a good group.”
Maybe even good enough to beat Georgia in Athens for the first time since 2016.
