Tennessee vs Georgia Tech Prediction: Whose New Quarterback Will Take Over?
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The quarterbacks are always the stars, and at Tennessee and Georgia Tech, they’re in a brighter spotlight this year than most.
Handling the high-powered Tennessee offense takes a great all-around playmaker, and freshman Faizon Brandon easily passed his first test in a 56-9 win over Furman.
All Alberto Mendoza has to do is 1) be that guy’s brother and 2) replace a heartbeat-of-the-program player in Haynes King at Georgia Tech.
He was good in the opener against Colorado, but after getting the team in a position to win, the Yellow Jackets lost 14-13 on a blocked field goal in the final moments.
Tennessee vs Georgia Tech: Quick Hits
- Only about 200 miles apart, these two have played 44 times, with Tennessee holding a 25-17-2 lead. The Vols won the last meeting 42-41 to open the 2017 season.
- Tennessee stays with the Georgia teams hosting Kennesaw State next week, and then it’s on with the SEC opener against Texas to follow.
- Georgia Tech gets a break against Mercer, and then packs up to start ACC play at Stanford.
How To Watch Tennessee vs Georgia Tech
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
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Why Tennessee Will Win
Brandon might not have been perfect against Furman, and he’ll make freshman mistakes, but he looks like a superstar in the making with size, arm, and quickness, running for 68 yards and two scores, and throwing for 226 yards and three touchdowns.
Georgia Tech wasn’t able to get anything going on the ground against Colorado. The Tennessee defensive front might not be a rock as the season goes on, but it’ll get into the backfield enough to at least be a bother for Mendoza.
Why Georgia Tech Will Win
Mendoza did his job. The Yellow Jackets only scored 13 points, but he hit a few big shots, completing 17-of-23 passes for 237 yards and doing what was needed in the final moments. It didn’t work, but he and the team were tested.
Tennessee hasn’t been pushed yet. Brandon didn’t deal with any pressure and didn’t have to worry too much about being perfect. The pass rush wasn’t where it needed to be against the Buffaloes, and now it has to come up with a few new wrinkles.
Tennessee vs Georgia Tech Prediction, Betting Lines
Georgia Tech hung on and fought hard against Colorado, but it couldn’t pull off the one stop it needed, the one block it needed, and Coach Prime’s team took the win.
Tennessee will have a little bit of an easier time against the Yellow Jackets. It’ll be a tough fight throughout, but the Vols will have a little more oomph on the lines, especially with the running game in the second half.
Tennessee 34, Georgia Tech 23
Latest Consensus Line: Tennessee -11.5, o/u: 55.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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