The Tennessee Volunteers will enter Neyland Stadium with a chance to beat the Georgia Bulldogs for the first time in eight years. This year’s matchup feels especially significant, but for the Vols, success will depend on players stepping up on the defensive side. Rickey Gibson and Jermod McCoy will not be active.
“Tennessee will again be without its two starting corners against Georgia this week, as both Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson are not expected back. McCoy is still recovering from his ACL tear in January, and Gibson (undisclosed) is out for an extended period of time,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel posted.
This means some young players will need to rise to the occasion, with all eyes on Colton Hood and Ty Redmond.
“Colorado/Auburn transfer Colton Hood, who leads the SEC in PBUs with 5, has played well in place of McCoy. True freshman Ty Redmond is expected to start again for the Vols. McCoy was a first-team preseason All-American and No. 31 on ESPN’s Top 100 player list,” Thamel wrote.
However, on Friday morning, Tennessee was hit with more bad news, as freshman tackle David Sanders Jr. is likely to miss the game. Sanders has been battling an injury that first appeared in Week One.
“Tennessee 5-star true freshman OT David Sanders is expected to miss his third straight game with a lingering shoulder issue, clowfb & PeteNakos_ report,” On3 posted.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This is another setback for the Vols, as Sanders is projected to be a starting tackle. What could have been a defining game to show Tennessee fans this team is legitimate is starting to look like one where key players won’t be able to contribute.
While Sanders hasn’t played a single snap this season, there’s no doubt he would be a huge help on the offensive line. Missing the highest-rated tackle in his class, along with several other key players, could prove costly.