ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit Says Tennessee Vols Should be Ranked Higher than Georgia Bulldogs
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ATHENS - ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said the one thing that separates the Georgia Bulldogs from the Tennessee Vols is QB Hendon Hooker.
Herbstreit was one of four panelists on ESPN that gave their rankings a week before the College Football Playoff is set to release their initial rankings next Tuesday night.
“Hendon Hooker. That's my answer. That' my answer. That is it,” Herbstreit said when asked why he has the undefeated Vols a position ahead of the No. 1 Dawgs. “Tennessee's offense - Right now Hendon Hooker is that guy. Based on these first eight weeks I think if you are looking at separating Tennessee from anybody it is the way they can outscore anyone they can play.”
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Tennessee hosts No. 19 Kentucky Saturday night at Neyland Stadium. Georgia plays the Gators in Jacksonville this weekend in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Tennessee defeated Florida 38-33 earlier this season in Knoxville.
Hooker has skyrocketed to near the top of the Heisman race as a result of a 2022 so far that has seen him throw for 2,093 yards and 18 touchdowns with only one interception all season.
“Right now (Tennessee is) just dynamic on that side of the ball, and it is because of Hendon Hooker,” Herbstreit concluded.
Herbstreit ranked Ohio State No. 1, then the Vols and Dawgs at No. 2 and No. 3. He placed Michigan as the No. 4 team for him. Outside of the top four, Herbstreit put Alabama at No. 5 and then Clemson at No. 6.
Former Georiga All-American David Pollack was the only panelist not to have Ohio State at No. 1. He had the Bulldogs at No. 1 with the Buckeyes at No. 2. The Vols were his No. 3 squad; with Michigan at No. 4.
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“The only thing I would argue with Kirk, and the only reason I would say Georgia is, I think Georgia is more complete,” Pollack said in response to Herbstreit’s comments about the Vols.
“I think Georgia’s defense comes into play,” Pollack continued. “I think (Georgia’s) offense is better than it was a year ago. They are using Darnell Washington better. I think they are going to get healthy at wide receiver by the time they play Tennessee, too, with AD Mitchell and company. So I think I would go more balanced from Georgia. It is still not by much. I lean to just the more complete team being Georgia.”
"I think Georgia will be just fine Between the Hedges," Herbstreit said with a laugh when talking about the Dawgs playing at home. The No. 3 Vols visit Athens on November 5th.
The Bulldogs take on Florida this weekend, and the Bulldogs are -22.5 favorites to win the game in Jacksonville according to FanDuel.
ESPN College Football Analysts' Top 6
Kirk Herbstreit
1. Ohio State
2. Tennessee
3. Georgia
4. Michigan
5. Alabama
6. Clemson
Joey Galloway
1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Tennessee
4. Clemson
5. Michigan
6. TCU
David Pollack
1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Tennessee
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. TCU
Rece Davis
1. Ohio State
2. Tennessee
3. Georgia
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Alabama