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While the end result was just another loss, it’s hard not to be encouraged by the fight shown by a young Tennessee squad on the road against the nation’s 12th-ranked team.
After jumping out to an early 10-0, Georgia reeled of 21-straight points to take a commanding second-quarter lead and it looked as though the Bulldogs were comfortably in command.
The Vols fought back valiantly, however. It wasn’t until Georgia converted on fourth down with under a minute to go that the game’s outcome was decided.
Justin Worley, who missed three series after taking a helmet to the elbow in the third quarter, finished 23-35 for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
“Worley is a great competitor and he knew that we needed him,” Jalen Hurd said of his quarterback. “He came through at a really good time and played his butt off. Unfortunately we didn’t get the `W’, but we’re going to work our butts off for Florida.”
Hurd broke the century mark, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He’s the first true freshman to rush for over a 100 yards since Jamal Lewis tallied 127 yards against Auburn in the 1997 SEC Championship game.
In his first career start, true freshman Josh Malone had five catches for 43 yards.
On defense A.J. Johnson led the Vols with 17 tackles, while Jalen Reeves-Maybin added 10, including 2.5 tackles for a loss.
Todd Kelly Jr. had his first career interception, picking off a Hutson Mason pass in the second quarter.
Tennessee’s defense continues to play extremely well on third down (cue “Third Down for What?”). Georgia managed only one third down conversion in 10 tries.
“Defensively, holding Georgia to 1-of-10 on third down was really promising,” Butch Jones said after the game. “I didn’t think that we were able to generate a lot of pressure at times on Mason and that’s something that we are going to work on.”
Jones was pleased with his team’s play on special teams.
“I am really proud of our specula teams,” Jones said. “I would say that 90 percent of our special teams are comprised of true freshmen and I really challenged them this week.”
The Vols don’t have much time to wallow in the loss, with a visit from the always-hated Florida Gators looming next on the schedule.
“We have a lot to play for it,” Butch Jones said. “It’s very early in the season. We are going to stay together and maintain focus, discipline and composure. Losses should hurt. This team does hurt because they have invested a lot, but when we come back on Sunday, we go to work. We get the opportunity to come home and play in front of our great fans in another SEC divisional game and rivalry game. We have great character on our football team now and I expect them to handle this and move forward.”
TENNESSEE VS. GEORGIA VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS