Despite the cold and windy conditions in Athens, there is an excited air around Stegeman Coliseum today as the No. 8 Tennessee Vols have come to town to take on Georgia. Bulldog fans are more excited that in years past, probably due to the new coaching staff and the fact that the team has been competitive with ranked teams such as Kentucky and Ole Miss in recent weeks. However, the Dawgs are still looking for their first SEC win.
The Vols, meanwhile, come into Athens on a seven-game winning streak which has come around the suspension of four key players. Bruce Pearl’s squad defeated No. 1 Kansas two weeks ago and are 3-0 in SEC play.
A LOOK AT THE VOLS
Despite the loss of the four players, Tennessee can still boast quality depth and receive production from several players including Scotty Hopson (13.5 ppg), Wayne Chism (12.1 ppg), and Bobby Maze (8.8 ppg). The Vols will shoot the three from all directions as even Chism, the center, is known to pull the trigger from beyond the arc.
Tennessee is the league leader in SEC play in field goal percentage defense at .343 and scoring defense, allowing just 60 points per game. The Vols are also third in scoring offense and first in turnover margin.
UTK has won 10-straight meetings with Georgia, eight of them under Pearl. The Vols also lead the all-time series 89-51.
As has been the case in recent years, Vol fans have travelled to Athens in large numbers. The upper level will be filled mostly with bright orange, as Vol fans have been targeting Athens as a prime road site to see their team play.
It would go a long way for Georgia to pull off the upset today and serve notice that Athens is no longer easy pickings for visiting SEC rivals.
And then maybe, just maybe, UGA fans will begin selling the arena out themselves without help from hundreds of visitors.
SUPERFANS
A few members of the football coaching staff were on hand to cheer on the hoops team. Head coach Mark Richt, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and new defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos are in attendance.
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