Tennessee vs Georgia Picks: Under Best Bet in SEC 11/16

Consider Saturday’s matchup between Tennessee and Georgia to be the first of the games in the College Football Playoff because the loser of this game can pretty much kiss their CFP hopes goodbye.

Georgia was listed by the college football odds as the favorite to win its third national title in the last four seasons. However, after losing on the road to Ole Miss, the Bulldogs were not among the 12 teams in the field when the latest College Football Playoff rankings were announced on Tuesday.

Those who bet online who love Tennessee as a double-digit underdog on the road would have been wise to jump on the opening line of 17½ after college football news surfaced that quarterback Nico Iamaleava was in the concussion protocol. With so much early money coming in on the Volunteers, the line has moved to 10.

Tennessee was the No. 8 seed in the latest College Football Playoff bracket so perhaps there is some margin for error for the Volunteers. The college football futures odds have Georgia priced at -550 to make the CFP compared to -400 odds for Tennessee.

Tennessee vs Georgia Game Information

• Game: Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 SEC) vs Georgia (7-2, 5-2)
• Date and Time: Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
• Tennessee vs Georgia Live Stream: ABC, Fubo TV

Per Tennessee vs Georgia betting trends, note that the Bulldogs not only won the last seven meetings, but each of those wins have been by at least 14 points. The Vols own wins over three ranked teams this season and this feels like a game that could be decided in the last couple of drives.

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3 Ways to Bet on Tennessee vs Georgia

1. Expect Back-And-Forth Battle of SEC Heavyweights

There are easier challenges than going into Athens and facing Georgia following a loss. However, this Georgia team is not one that strikes fear into other top SEC opponents.

The turnover issues for Georgia quarterback Carson Beck can’t be ignored and neither can the fact that Tennessee allows fewer points per game than the Bulldogs.

The bye week came right after the Volunteers topped Alabama. Since then, Tennessee has posted double-digit wins over Kentucky and Mississippi State. The degree of difficulty will go up this weekend. With that in mind, when making NCAA football picks, don’t expect either team to score more than three times in a row.

Bet This Pick: Neither Team Will Score Three Times in a Row (+200)

2. Bet Game to Finish Under the Total

This game could be one of the most physical of the Week 12 matchups. Both teams know what is on the line. Per Tennessee vs Georgia stats, both of these teams allow fewer than 20 points per game and rank first and second in the SEC in third-down defense.

Saturday 🔜#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/AoonM7QlnI

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) November 13, 2024

Scoring in the red zone is not easy against either the Volunteers or the Bulldogs. Tennessee has allowed opponents to score touchdowns just 10 times in 27 trips into the red zone.

Georgia is allowing points on 87.5% of the red zone possessions by the opposing team – a far cry from the 67.7% mark in 2022 and 62.5% number in 2021 – but just 11 of those 21 scores have been touchdowns.

The last two Tennessee-Georgia games finished under the total. We’d feel a little better if the total was in the 50s instead of 48½ but taking the under in NCAA football predictions still feels right.

Bet This Pick: Tennessee vs Georgia Under 48½

3. Will Tennessee or Georgia Get In Some Early Kicks?

The only kicker in the SEC with more made field goals than either Tennessee’s Max Gilbert or Georgia’s Peyton Woodring is Caden Davis. Both coaches know that it will be crucial not to squander promising drives so relying on the kickers is not the worst option early in the game.

The first score has been a field goal in four of Georgia’s games this season and it has happened three times when Tennessee takes the field.

When looking at the Week 12 game props, why not take a chance with the +195 odds for the first score in the Tennessee-Georgia game not to be a touchdown?

Bet This Pick: First Score of Game is a Touchdown – NO (+199)

Iamaleava Injury a Betting Concern

There are conflicting reports when it comes to whether Iamaleava will be able to play for Tennessee as he needs to be cleared from concussion protocol.

ESPN CFB reporter Mark Schlabach joins us next to talk CFP rankings and the latest on the status of Nico Iamaleava https://t.co/0lHT0pliFt

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) November 13, 2024

He has completed 65% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. Senior Gaston Moore has been with the program for a while but from a talent standpoint, it would be a big blow for Tennessee not to have its No. 1 QB. Keep an eye on his status before making a bet online.

Tennessee vs Georgia Score Prediction

Georgia 24, Tennessee 20

Questions of the Day

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.