John Adams, my very good friend, and the esteemed columnist from the Knoxville News Sentinel, is kind enough to offer his insights on the big game Saturday. John is one of the most talented, clever, knowledgeable and insightful writers of all time. He is a tremendously talented talk show host and a frequent guest on Lunchtime from Athens on the Superstations.

What do you think Tennessee is capable of this year?

I predicted the Volunteers would go 9-3, mainly because of their schedule. They play the four worst teams in the SEC, and their nonconference schedule is a breeze. Tennessee should still be in playoff contention in November when it plays Oklahoma and Florida.

What is your take on Georgia?

Georgia has another stout, well disciplined defense – just as you would expect from a Kirby Smart team. The wide receivers are better. Whether they make the playoffs likely will come down to how Gunner Stockton performs in big games. The schedule will be challenging, of course, and the Bulldogs get every team’s best shot.

What are some of the most memorable games you’ve ever covered?

I have covered a lot. But when it comes to the most memorable games, Texas vs. USC in the Rose Bowl for the 2005 national championship stands out above all the others. It was just an incredible game, and an individual performance by Vince Young that might never be topped in a championship game. The Georgia-Notre Dame game, when the Bulldogs won 17-10 to clinch the 1980 national title, would be second, because it was the first championship game I covered.

Who is the best college football player you have seen in person?

I’ve covered way too many outstanding players to single out one. But the first players that come to mind are Archie Manning, Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Vince Young, Reggie Bush and Brock Bowers.

What is your prediction?

For the Georgia-UT matchup, you will get Neyland Stadium at its loudest, and it can get really loud. Tennessee has gone 2-2 against Alabama and Florida – their oldest nemeses – under Josh Heupel. But Georgia has been a different matter. The Vols haven’t been competitive for the most part. If the Vols would win, UT fans will have flashbacks to the 1998 season when they took down Florida in overtime at Neyland on the way to a national championship. Security guards will be challenged to keep them off the field.