GEORGIA

1. Put the skids on Vol running game

The Bulldog defense must slow down a running game averaging more than 220 yards a game this season. Georgia’s group of defensive lineman and linebackers will need to slow down Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs if they want to keep the time of possession clock from working against them.

2. Establish freshmen runners on the ground

Both Danny Ware and Thomas Brown have averaged at least five yards per carry this season. If Georgia can get these two freshmen moving, a suspect Tennessee rushing defense (7th in SEC) could once again keep the Vols from giving Georgia a run for its money.

3. Use Georgia receivers to expand field

The speedy duo of Fred Gibson and Reggie Brown can add a lot to Georgia’s running threat if both can challenge the UT defensive backs. Having burned LSU for a combined 166 yards and four touchdowns last week, Georgia’s top two receivers could once again have a field day against a passing defense that ranks last in the SEC.

4. Don’t let Colquitt pin you

Tennessee has the country’s best punter in Dustin Colquitt. In 11 punts this year, the senior has kicked the ball for an average of 42 yards. In a field position battle, the Vols can use Colquitt to keep the Georgia offense deep in its own territory.

Get the crowd loud

Georgia’s crowd must make its presence known once again. If the 90,000-plus fans donned in red and black can get inside the heads of Ainge and Schaeffer, a Volunteer offense that ranks No. 2 in the SEC in total offense could grind itself, and Tennessee’s season, to a halt.

TENNESSEE

1. Avoid rookie QB mistakes

Georgia’s defense held a potent LSU running game to 67 total yards last Saturday, so Vol head coach Phil Fulmer will have to have Erik Aigne and Brent Schaeffer challenge Georgia’s secondary. Fulmer had better hope there are no repeats of the Auburn debacle (five interceptions), or Tennessee’s hopes of an upset will be prematurely dashed.

2. Be as opportunistic as possible

Georgia has proven it has trouble fielding punts this season, so if Tennessee can pounce on a loose ball, it could give the needed boost while also quieting Georgia’s crowd. A recovered fumble here or there may not make the difference, but it could be enough to give Tennessee the feeling that it can compete with Georgia.

3. Run, run … and run some more

While Tennessee’s offense will depend on the play of their quarterbacks, Houston and Riggs must come out and show Georgia that Tennessee has a duel-threat at the position. If both players can keep the ball out of Georgia’s hands, Tennessee may not allow the Bulldogs the chance to jump to an early lead.

4. Get Greene out of rhythm

With a defense that has 11 sacks on the season, ranking No. 2 in the SEC, the Vol defense has shown it knows how to get after opposing quarterbacks. If they can break Georgia’s offensive line protection and get at Georgia’s quarterbacks, Tennessee could pressure Greene or D.J. Shockley into a mistake.

5. Mirror, mirror on the wall

Three years ago, Georgia went into Knoxville and defeated a Tennessee team ranked No. 4 in the nation with a freshman quarterback. This year, Tennessee enters Sanford Stadium with a freshman quarterback and goes up against a top-5 team. If the Vols can hang with Georgia late, there could be a late game pass that puts the visiting Vols over the hump.