As the highly anticipated showdown between Georgia and Tennessee approaches, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart is already preparing for battle by dissecting the weaknesses in Tennessee’s game. In a recent interview, Smart identified three critical areas where the Volunteers have been vulnerable, and he made it clear that if his Bulldogs exploit these weaknesses, Tennessee could be in for a serious blowout.
1. Tennessee’s Inconsistent Defense 
One of the first issues Smart pointed out was Tennessee’s defense, particularly its inconsistency in key situations. While the Volunteers have had flashes of brilliance on defense this season, Smart noted that they tend to struggle against high-powered offenses that can exploit gaps in their coverage. “When you watch them on film, there are opportunities to attack their secondary, especially when they’re caught out of position or playing soft coverage,” Smart explained. “If we can take advantage of that, we could put up big numbers and put pressure on their defense early.”
Tennessee’s defensive line has also shown moments of vulnerability, particularly when facing powerful running games. If Georgia can establish a dominant ground game early, it could neutralize Tennessee’s defensive strengths and force the Volunteers to play catch-up.
2. Struggles with Pass Protection
The second weakness Smart pointed out was Tennessee’s pass protection. While quarterback Joe Milton has a strong arm and can make big plays down the field, he has been sacked a number of times this season, especially against teams that bring pressure. Smart was quick to note that his defense excels at creating havoc in the backfield, particularly with talented pass rushers like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
“If we can generate pressure and make Milton uncomfortable in the pocket, we can force him into mistakes,” Smart said. “When he’s under duress, his accuracy drops, and that’s when you can really take control of the game.”
3. Overreliance on the Deep Ball
Finally, Smart highlighted Tennessee’s tendency to rely heavily on the deep pass to stretch the field. While the Volunteers have an explosive offense and wide receivers like Jalin Hyatt who can take the top off the defense, Smart believes this strategy can be a double-edged swor
“When you lean too much on the deep ball, it can lead to turnovers and missed opportunities,” Smart explained. “We’ve seen teams that have successfully forced Tennessee into short-yardage situations by limiting those big plays. If we can keep them from hitting on those explosive throws, we’ll have the upper hand.”
Smart’s game plan centers around limiting Tennessee’s big-play potential while exploiting defensive lapses and pass protection issues. The Bulldogs have shown this season that they can win with a balanced offensive attack and a ferocious defense that thrives on creating turnovers and controlling the tempo of the game.
The Stage Is Set
With both teams gearing up for what promises to be an intense matchup, Kirby Smart’s analysis of Tennessee’s weaknesses has added another layer of intrigue to the already high-stakes game. If Georgia can execute on Smart’s strategy, they could hand Tennessee one of their worst losses of the season. However, Tennessee’s offense is one of the most explosive in the nation, and if they can overcome their flaws, they’ll present a serious challenge for the Bulldogs.
As the teams prepare to face off, all eyes will be on whether Georgia can exploit these vulnerabilities or if Tennessee can adjust and overcome the pressure. One thing is certain—this game is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling of the season.
