Glenn Schumann (Co-DC) – As a leader of the defense, Glenn Schumann must have the team, and especially the linebackers, ready for Tennessee. The Volunteers have established an elite run game. They have yet to rush for less than 100 yards in a game. The scheme must put the defense in a position to defend a team that possesses deep-ball threats and has been able to run the ball extremely well.
Carson Beck (QB #15) – Fans continue to raise questions at the performances of Carson Beck. Yet, this past weekend, Beck was never truly given the opportunity to shine. He was sacked five times along with consistent pressure in the backfield. Coach Smart made an effort to say he was proud of Beck’s decisions to throw the ball away in certain situations. With that being said, Beck has to lead the Bulldogs down the field to more scoring opportunities. Tennessee is coming off of a 33-point victory and averages 33.7 points per game, so Georgia will likely need to put up multiple touchdowns in order to send the Vols home with a loss.
Nate Frazier (RB #3) – As Trevor Etienne continues to deal with some rib pain, Nate Frazier has been at the head of most rush attempts for Georgia’s offense. He carried the ball 12 times for 47 yards and the only touchdown of the game against Ole Miss. Even with the most rushing yards on the team in this game, 3.9 yards per carry will not cut it. This is obviously a combined effort between Frazier and the entire offensive front. The line must perform better, and the running backs’ performances will follow.
Dillon Bell (WR #86) – In order to help Carson Beck and the Georgia offense, receivers will need to be firing on all cylinders. The entire room must eliminate drops and help out their quarterback. Somebody will have to step up on offense, and that person may be Dillon Bell. He has had a few clutch plays this season. Since every game is an elimination game, Bell has the opportunity to stamp his name in the Georgia history books.
Daniel Harris (CB #7) – The entire Georgia secondary will have to play one of their best games as a unit to limit any explosive plays by Tennessee. Although he played against Ole Miss, he did not record any stats in Georgia’s recent loss. Potentially his most notable play of the season came in the Bulldogs’ previous matchup against the Gators, when Harris read a screen and nailed the receiver behind the line of scrimmage. Harris is a sizable corner standing at 6’3” and can go against receivers of all sizes.
Malaki Starks (Safety #24) – Starks spoke with the media right after Georgia’s defeat in Mississippi. He said, “We want to put this game to bed and focus on Tennessee.” Starks has been a vocal leader throughout the season. With Tennessee’s dynamic offense, it will be important for Starks to determine early if the offense is in a pass or run situation.
Brett Thorson (P #92) – Coming off of a game that had one of the best punts of his career, it will be important to keep an eye out on Brett Thorson this coming weekend. Pinning Tennessee deep into their own territory will be crucial in holding the Volunteers to as few points as possible. Thorson, if the Dawgs need to punt, will be a key factor in making Nico Iamaleava and Co. earn their way down the field.
Charlie Condon will be honored during the game Saturday. The Georgia All-American won the 2024 Golden Spikes Award and broke the school season and career home run records.
Amongst the greatest kickers in Georgia football history, John Kasay had an incredible career in the NFL, most notably as the all-time leading scorer in Carolina Panthers history.
All-American safety Sean Jones made a play for the ages in Knoxville in 2003, returning a fumble 92 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half in a 41-14 Dogs victory.