When I think of a National Championship, it's safe to say I have Georgia on my mind. The numbers show that both its offense and defense are in top form and capable of handling just about any team on any given day. Its coaching is elite, and the program has a long history of excellence and National Championships. Vanderbilt arguably has its work cut out for it as it travels to Athens to face the Bulldogs and more than 93,000 screaming fans "Between the Hedges."
Although it could be said that Georgia is facing its toughest SEC challenge of the season yet, the Bulldogs enter this matchup at 4-0, including a 2-0 mark in SEC play, ranked No. 2 nationally and heavily favored to win. Georgia is averaging 54.8 points per game, allowing just 13.2 points, and generating 480.8 total yards of offense per contest. The Bulldogs have outscored their first four opponents by a combined 63-0 in the first quarter and 133-12 in the first half, highlighting their ability to start fast and take control early. Their first two SEC opponents were also held to a combined 82 rushing yards on 55 carries. I don't think I'm out of line in saying that Georgia has been extremely impressive this season. Vanderbilt will have its hands full, and it may take every trick in the book if the Commodores hope to keep this game competitive deep into the four quarters.
After four weeks of play, Vanderbilt is 3-1, with all three of its victories coming at home. Those wins came against FCS and Group of 6 opponents, with the exception of NC State, a team the Commodores defeated by just four points. Their only loss came in their lone SEC contest, a 21-15 defeat at Auburn. In my opinion, Vanderbilt is a dangerous team and a potential sleeper, but it is simply outgunned by Georgia. I believe the Commodores can keep this game close to this line, but I love the Bulldogs to win by 24 points or more.
Vanderbilt vs Georgia prediction: Georgia -23.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number to -125.
