How Georgia and Tennessee stack up: Statistical breakdown

This Saturday, No. 3 Georgia (4-0, 1-0) takes on Tennessee (1-3, 0-1) from Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.

The game, which is set to air at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, is expected to be a blowout, with Georgia favored by 24.5 points.

(Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Oct. 2nd at 3:30 p.m. ET.)

On paper, this game belongs to Georgia. The Bulldogs are better in just about every category, and in most of them it’s not even close.

But the game is not played on paper. And Tennessee, as bad as the Vols have been, will give Georgia their best shot. The Dawgs better be ready.

Here’s how both teams stack up statistically.

Offensive Breakdown

Scoring offense

In four games, Tennessee has averaged 26 points per games this season. That’s 88th in the nation.

Georgia, which has played four games this year, is ranked No. 11 in scoring offense, averaging 42.8 points in those games.

Rushing Offense

Tennessee, at 154.5 rushing yards per game, is ranked ranked No. 71 in the country in rushing offense.

Georgia’s bread and butter, the Dawgs rank No. 12 in the FBS in rushing offense, averaging 253 rushing yards per game.

Passing Offense

Behind the arm of Jarrett Guarantano, the Vols are passing for an average of 205 yards per game through the Irish’s first two games of the year. That’s No. 96 in the nation.

Georgia and Jake Fromm, on the other hand, are not and will not be a pass first team this season. Still, Georgia is No. 54 in the nation in passing yards per game with an average of 255.8.

Total Offense

Ranking 104th in the nation, Tennessee is averaging 359.5 yards of offense a game. Additionally, the Vols are 88th in the nation with 5.5 yards per play.

508.8 yards per game is good enough to have Georgia ranked No. 15 in the nation in total offense. Georgia’s 8.04 yards per play is fourth in the country.

First Downs

Tennessee averages 19 first downs per game, 102nd nationally.

45 first downs on the ground and 47 through the air, plus 3 from penalty, have resulted in 95 first down for Georgia. That’s an average of 23.8 per game, which is 33rd in the nation.

Turnover Margin

Tennessee has forced 9 turnovers and given up 8, with a +1 turnover margin. The Vols rank 50th in this category.

Georgia has forced 6 turnovers and given up 4, with a +2 turnover margin. Dawgs rank 34th in this category.

Sacks allowed

Tennessee has allowed nine sacks. That’s an average of 2.25 per game, which is 70th in the country.

In four games, Georgia’s offensive line has given up just one sack. That is tied for No. 1 in the nation.

Next: Defense

Defensive Breakdown

Scoring Defense

Tennessee has allowed 101 points, or 25.3 per game. That’s 61st in the nation.

In four games, Georgia has only given up 40 points, an average of 10 points per game, which is good enough for 6th in the nation. 

Rushing Defense

Tennessee’s rushing defense will have its hands full with the Georgia attack. The Vols have allowed 599 rushing yards this season, which is 149.7 yards per game. That is 66th in the nation. 

Georgia’s rushing defense has been maybe the biggest highlight of the year so far for the Dawgs. Only allowing 57 yards rushing per game (2.3 per rush), Georgia’s rushing defense ranks 5th nationally.

Passing Defense

The Volunteers’ passing defense has looked better, though, allowing 190 yards per game, 28th overall.

Georgia is 46th in the nation, allowing 205.5 yards per game through the air.

Total Defense

At 42nd in the nation, Tennessee’s defense is allowing 339.8 yards per game.

Georgia, at 9th overall, is allowing 262.5 yards per game.

Sacks

Tennessee has eight sacks in four games, so two a game, which is 84th in the nation.

Another bright spot for Georgia’s defense has been the pass rush. With 12 sacks through four games, Georgia is averaging three sacks a game, which is 31st overall.

Next: Special teams

Special teams breakdown

Punt returns

Tennessee is averaging 17.75 yards per punt return, which is 12th overall.

Georgia is averaging 15.1 yards per return, at 22nd in the nation.

Kick returns

At 25 yards per kickoff return, UT is 25th in the nation.

Georgia, at 16.3 yards per kick return, ranks 114th nationally.

Opponent punt returns

Tennessee has allowed three punt returns for a total of 12 yards. At 4.00 yard per return allowed, the Vols rank 30th.

Georgia, which has allowed two returns for 17 yards, ranks 79th in the nation, giving up an average of 8.5 yards per return.