UGA Faces Tennessee

Tough way to start the SEC slate, but you play the hand you're dealt in this league. Game is Saturday at 12:00 in Athens.

I really can't see a way that Georgia wins this one. When we had Sundiata Gaines, there was always a chance. He almost willed the team to victory last year, but Georgia lost by three.

With that said, Georgia has a chance. The game is at home. Should be a good crowd. And there's no Chris Lofton. He hit 9 three-pointers one year in a close game against us. Scotty Hopson and Cameron Tatum will be challenges at the two-guard position for us, but I don't expect them to shoot like Lofton. According to one stat I saw, they shoot less than 32% from deep. Not terrible, but not world-beaters, certainly.

Tyler Smith is listed as doubtful for the game, with a bruised bone in his knee. I expect him to play, by the way, but if he is held out, or at least not 100%, that should help Georgia some.

Tennessee really doesn't have any bad losses this year. They've had 4 defeats, but 2 of those were against a Gonzaga team with a great point guard and some very good shooters. They lost against defending national champ, Kansas, and Temple beat them, but only because their 2-guard had a career night.

I think we ought to pack things down in a zone. Slow the game down. Make them run some clock and hit from the outside. If they miss, rebound like crazy. If we can keep the game close, they might get a little nervous, argue amongst themselves-- that kind of thing, and we can steal our first SEC game of the year.

If we try to match their speed, end up turning the ball over and succumbing to their defensive pressure, then UT by 18.