Tennessee Volunteers vs. Georgia Bulldogs Betting Odds: Analysis and Prediction

While struggling over recent seasons, including four straight losses to rival Georgia, the Volunteers of Tennessee have had financial success against the Bulldogs, going 6-2 against the number in the last eight meetings.

Tennessee will try to snap its losing streak when it runs with the 'Dawgs on Saturday afternoon down in Athens, Ga.

Point spread: The Bulldogs opened as 18-point favorites at Sanford Stadium, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. The total was 56.5. (Line updates and matchup report)

Odds Shark computer prediction: 52.9-32.2 Bulldogs

Why the Tennessee Volunteers can cover the spread

The Vols are off to a 2-1 start in their second season under Butch Jones, with victories over Utah State and Arkansas State and a tough loss at Oklahoma. Tennessee is only 1-2 ATS, but missed the cover against the Red Wolves by one point, winning 34-19 at -16, then blew an excellent chance to cover as 21-point dogs against the Sooners.

The Vols were driving early in the fourth quarter for a score that could have gotten them within 27-17, but QB Justin Worley threw a 100-yard pick-six, the final score in a 34-10 defeat.

Last year Tennessee almost had the Bulldogs beat in regulation, allowing the tying touchdown with five seconds to go. Then the Vols fumbled at the pylon in overtime, leading to a heartbreaking 34-31 loss but a cover at +13.

Why the Georgia Bulldogs can cover the spread

The Bulldogs bounced back from a heartbreaking loss of their own a couple weeks ago against South Carolina to trounce Troy last week 66-0, covering at -41. Georgia outgained the Trojans by over 300 yards and ran for 367.

Heisman candidate RB Todd Gurley touched the ball only six times last week, but he didn't need to do much, as the 'Dawgs got 155 yards and three scores on just 10 carries from freshman Sony Michel. Georgia already owns one win/cover over a quality program going through a rebuilding process this season, a 45-21 victory over Clemson in the season opener.

It would come as no surprise if a similar outcome occurred Saturday.

Smart Pick

Georgia is shooting for a division title, while Tennessee is building for the future. But the Vols hung in there against Oklahoma two weeks ago, and had last week off to prepare for this one.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, often seem to play up or down to their competition, depending upon who that is. So the pick in this spot is with the dog and the points and an over wager if the computer is anywhere close to the mark.

Trends:

• The total has gone OVER in four of Tennessee's last five games when playing Georgia
• Georgia is 4-2 ATS in its last six games

Note: All point spread and lines data courtesy of Odds Shark, all quotes gathered first-hand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury updates and line move updates and get the free odds tracker app.