#6 Tennessee at #11 Georgia

Burt told you all to fade me last week—I hope you listened.

Lemme get one thing off my chest and then I’ll feed you piggies this slop of a preview for the Vols versus the ‘Dawgs this Saturday night in the Classic City. I can’t stand to look at Carson Beck anymore. Just the human embodiment of smug, false confidence. What happened between last year and this year? Yes, a tremendous amount of receiving talent left Athens for the NFL, but the guy taking snaps this season has mostly looked scared, incompetent, and, worst of all, uninterested. It’s like some Freaky Friday shit where Carson Beck and Uncle Rico went out for a few beers in the offseason, took a drunken piss in the same urinal trough, lightning struck, and now they’ve switched bodies. At least Uncle Rico wasn’t afraid to sling it…

Beck has now thrown 12 (!!) interceptions this season, and the nerves of Georgia fans are palpable when he initiates a three-step drop. It’s not all his fault…the ‘Dawgs also lead the FBS in dropped passes, salt in the wound for the rare occasions that Beck doesn’t toss a softball up for opposing DBs.

Still, this is the same Kirby Smart-led bunch that beat then-#1 Texas in Austin, and came within feet of turning around a doomed game in Tuscaloosa a few weeks prior. The ‘Dawgs are now razor-thin at running back with starter Trevor Etienne having just been ruled out and with depth piece Cash Jones also dinged. That leaves Nate Frazier as the only healthy back who’s seen substantial time this season. Hopefully this is his breakout game.

It won’t be easy, as the Vols’ defensive front has been extremely disruptive all season, leading a Tennessee D that ranks among the tops in the nation in total defense. Those boys up front will play a big factor in determining who wins and who dies. On offense, the Vols come into the weekend with a big question mark at quarterback. Nico Iamaleava is questionable to suit up after leaving last week’s game against Mississippi State as a precautionary measure and subsequently being placed in concussion protocol. If he can’t play, will the Kenny Rogers Roasters-level lights in Sanford be too bright for Vol backup Gaston Moore?

This game is a must win combined with a can’t lose wrapped in a put up or shut up for all involved, and I’m nervous and excited to watch it unfold in a blacked-out Sanford Stadium.

Dr. Chim Richalds’ pick: Kirby Smart’s “on to the next” mentality has the ‘Dawgs ready to battle this weekend. But don’t take my word for it…here’s what Badger Bill had to say: “‘Dawgs are fine. Banged-up Nico ain’t winnin’ between the hedges.” So fade this! ::crotch grab:: Georgia 28-17.