Tennessee football vs Georgia Tech picks: Vols sting Yellow Jackets in Atlanta

Tennessee Vols football has its first true test of the season with the trip to Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 in Atlanta.

Faizon Brandon threw for 229 yards and five total touchdowns in his first career start, leading the Vols to a 56-9 win over Furman to open the season.

Last week's game was a low-volume day for Desean Bishop, Mike Matthews and the Tennessee key skill players. Linebacker Arion Carter returns after a one-game suspension for violating NCAA rules against impermissible benefits.

Georgia Tech (0-1) is coming off of a Sept. 3 home loss to Colorado.

Here are Knox News' staff predictions for Tennessee-Georgia Tech:

Tennessee-Georgia Tech expert predictions: Vols ground Yellow Jackets in Atlanta

Adam Sparks, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 31, Georgia Tech 17

Georgia Tech will give Tennessee its best shot. Faizon Brandon will have a tougher Week 2. But Tennessee’s offensive line and rushing attack should be on the same page after a shaky start against Furman. Jim Knowles’ defense, sparked by the return of Arion Carter, will be the difference in this one.

Stephen Thompson, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 27, Georgia Tech 13

This game will be decided in the trenches and UT has the advantage on both sides of the ball. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon will likely make the first major mistakes of his college career, but the Vols still win a game that doesn't feel as close as final score would indicate.

Cora Hall, UT beat reporter: Tennessee 28, Georgia Tech 9

The Vols' offense and Faizon Brandon will pass their first test of the season, even if it may not end up being the prettiest win. Jim Knowles' defense will be the real star of the show in this one, especially with Arion Carter's highly-anticipated return.

John Adams, columnist: Tennessee 31, Georgia Tech 17

Georgia Tech has prospered under fourth-year coach Brent Key. But you can only prosper so much as a mid-level ACC program in a state dominated by the Bulldogs. Key might regret not moving on after winning nine games last season.

Gentry Estes, Tennessean columnist: Tennessee 23, Georgia Tech 21

A win? Yes.  But I don’t think this will be as easy for the Vols as Week 1 results for each team would suggest. They need to be ready for the Yellow Jackets’ best shot.

Wynton Jackson, sports reporter: Tennessee 28, Georgia Tech 17

Georgia Tech allowed 183 rushing yards to Colorado in its Week 1 loss. Tennessee should have no problem bowling over the Yellow Jackets behind the Brandon-Bishop running tandem.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football vs Georgia Tech picks: Vols sting Yellow Jackets in Atlanta