Against a similar schedule, ESPN analyst Aaron Murray doesn’t see that much difference between Georgia and Tennessee when asked to compare the talent level between the Bulldogs and Vols.
There are only two positions in which Murray, who played quarterback for the Bulldogs from 2009 to 2013, gave No. 1 Georgia a clear advantage over No. 7 Tennessee during an appearance on Off The Hook Sports. The first was at defensive back, in which the Bulldogs are loaded and the Vols are untested and inexperienced, but have talent.
The other position in which Murray gave an edge to the Bulldogs was at quarterback. Georgia is led by senior Carson Beck. Tennessee is led by redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava. Both are considered Heisman candidates. Beck, a senior, has started 16 games for Georgia. Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman has started three games for Tennessee.
“It’s hard for me to sit back and say there is much of a difference,” Beck said when asked of the overall talent gap between the two teams. “I think the difference really is at the quarterback spot with just experience. Carson Beck is heading into his second season. He’s 23-years-old. He’s been in the system for five years. He’s been in the playoffs.”
Beck has also been forced to change schemes during his time at Georgia when longtime SEC assistant and former Georgia coach Mike Bobo was hired to replace offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who was hired for the same position by the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. Iamaleava has had to manage just one system under head coach Josh Heupel.
As for running backs?
“Tennessee feels very much similar to Georgia,” said Murray, who hosts “Snaps” on YouTube.
How about receiver and the offensive line?
“Receiver wise, maybe even give the edge to Tennessee when it comes to receivers,” Murray said. “Offensive line…Tennessee’s a top three or four offensive line. They’re pretty close.”
Then, on defense?
“Their defensive line, probably give the edge to Tennessee,” Murray said. “Georgia’s right there too. Two of probably the best defensive lines in the country.”
Understandably, Murray gave Georgia the edge when comparing defensive backs, partly because of the unknown. The Vols have been able to disrupt the passer in their first two games to the point in which Tennessee’s secondary hasn’t been tested. Georgia’s secondary has three preseason All-SEC players in its secondary, led by star cornerback Malaki Starks.
“But, you go position by position,” Murray said. “They’re both in the tops in the SEC at their respective positions, offense and defense as well.
“The kicker is just experience at quarterback. You’ll feel more and more comfortable with Nico when it comes to comparing him to Carson the minute that he steps foot out (in) the game against Oklahoma.
“Then, the game against Alabama. If he looks great against those two teams, one on the road and then one at home, all of a sudden you’re saying, ‘Okay, that game in Athens in November is going to be a pretty damn good football game.’”
For the record, Tennessee plays Kent State on Saturday at 7:45 EST in Neyland Stadium. The Golden Flashes are 126th in the nation in total offense and total defense. Tennessee plays Oklahoma next week, Alabama on Oct. 19 and Georgia on Nov. 16. Please forgive us Kent State for looking ahead just a bit.
