Our college football betting writer offers his best betting picks and predictions for the SEC matchup between No. 1 Tennessee vs. No. 3 Georgia scheduled for Saturday at Athens, Ga., at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
The initial College Football Playoff rankings delivered quite a shocker with the Volunteers atop the poll and the Bulldogs ranked third, a surprise that creates even more drama for their big showdown.
Georgia vs. Tennessee picks
- Georgia to cover -8 spread @ -110 via Caesars Sportsbook
- Under 66.5 total points to be scored @ -110 via Caesars Sportsbook
- Hendon Hooker over 1.5 TD passes @ -119 via Caesars Sportsbook
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Georgia vs. Tennessee picks and analysis
The Bulldogs (8-0) are defending national champions and used to playing in big games, while this version of the Volunteers (8-0) is in the process of getting accustomed to them. Georgia also has the better defense.
Georgia to cover at -8
Who had Hendon Hooker near the top of their Heisman Trophy list?
That is where the Tennessee quarterback sits while throwing for 2,338 yards, 21 touchdowns and just one interception over the first eight games.
Big-play receiver Jalin Hyatt has emerged with 45 receptions for 907 yards and a nation-leading 14 touchdown catches. The duo have fueled a high-octane attack as the Volunteers lead the country in scoring offense (49.4) and total offense (553.0).
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The Bulldogs are an elite team on both sides of the ball, particularly defense. Georgia ranks second in scoring defense (10.5) and fourth in total defense (262.6) despite the loss of five NFL first-round picks and eight overall draftees from last season’s unit.
That is where the difference in this game can be found. The Volunteers are tied for 26th in scoring defense (21.0) and 82nd in total defense (393.6) and that will allow Georgia to beat Tennessee for the sixth straight time.
Georgia vs. Tennessee prediction: Georgia to cover -8 spread (Caesars Sportsbook)
Under 66.5 total points
Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett doesn’t do splashy things, he just does the most important thing: win. Bennett is 22-3 as a starting quarterback, including the victory in last season’s title game.
He has some solid targets in receiver Ladd McConkey (33 receptions, 413 yards) and tight end Brock Bowers (31 catches, 547 yards). Bowers had five receptions for a career-high 154 yards and a touchdown in last Saturday’s 42-20 win over Florida.
The Bulldogs received a blow this week when coach Kirby Smart said standout outside linebacker Nolan Smith will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
That is a huge loss for the Georgia defense.
Though both teams have been putting bushels of points on the scoreboard, the over/under is set high. We see the Georgia defense making sure this total goes under.
Georgia vs. Tennessee prediction: Under 66.5 total points (Caesars Sportsbook)
Hendon Hook over 1.5 touchdown passes
Hooker has thrown for at least two touchdowns in each game but the pace has picked up recently. He has tossed 11 in the past three games, including five in Tennessee’s memorable 52-49 win over Alabama.
Something will have to give as the Bulldogs have only allowed five passing scores in eight games. If Hooker has a big day and notches the upset, he should remain the Heisman favorite — after starting at +1400 — heading down the stretch of the season.
Georgia vs. Tennessee prediction: Hendon Hooker over 1.5 TD passes (Caesars Sportsbook)
Georgia vs. Tennessee odds
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
| Total Points 66 | Team | Spread | Moneyline |
| Over -117 | Tennessee | (-8) -117 | +235 |
| Under -117 | Georgia | (-8) -117 | -292 |