First and foremost, we'll have to win in the trenches at least roughly half the time. Our big uglies gotta win against their big uglies often enough for our running game to provide a real threat. A fella mentioned early in this thread, we'll need to establish the run to the tune of 4+ yards per carry. Dunno if we quite need that, but the point is solid: we have to show we can make first downs on the ground primarily. Once we do that, Georgia will have to respect the box, and that will free up our receivers enough to balance our offense out.
Our talented young defensive backfield can help nudge us toward a win, a LOT. UGa's QB, Stockton, is still new to the starter role. His eyes are still big. If we can fluster him with incompletions or even interceptions, we'll go a long way toward tipping the balance in our favor. In particular, our lads need to shut down Georgia's talented new receiver, Zachariah Branch. Kid transferred from USCw and did well in his first game wearing bulldog colors. We have the talent to take him out of the equation, if our lads are playing well.
I think our new offensive playbook is going to put Kirby Smart a bit off-balance, but not for long. That man adjusts well. Hopefully Josh continues to introduce new formations and schemes throughout the game. Can't spend it all before halftime.
Biggest worry is our defensive front seven. I mean, none of this is easy, we could be overwhelmed at every spot on the field, but we have a solid chance at holding our own in most spots. Our DLine is a worry. Hopefully they play inspired. We'll need it.
Being at home helps a lot. Especially with flustering their QB and entourage. We'll need all the fan noise we can give.
All in all, I give us a 40% chance of winning. Which is far from a lock, but it's also far from hopeless. We can do this. First, let's play clean and efficient against ETSU. Then let's put a shock-collar on the dawgs.
Go Vols!
. ETSU can’t beat us.
