Georgia’s Relentless Pressure Proving Too Much for Former 4-Star Tennessee Recruit
ATHENS, Ga. — Saturday night in Athens, it was clear from the opening snap that Georgia had one mission: disrupt the Volunteers’ rhythm and make life miserable for their former 4-star quarterback recruit. Mission accomplished.
From the first drive, Georgia’s defensive front — widely regarded as one of the most disciplined and aggressive in the country — applied relentless pressure on Tennessee’s signal-caller, who once entered the program with massive expectations and the weight of a fanbase starved for national relevance. What followed was a long night of hurried throws, collapsing pockets, and mounting frustration.
The quarterback, a prized 4-star talent out of high school and one of Tennessee’s top recruits just a couple of seasons ago, has struggled to find his footing in big games. Against Georgia, those struggles were amplified. He was sacked three times, hit countless more, and failed to get into a rhythm, finishing with under 150 passing yards and no touchdowns.
“They did what great defenses do,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel admitted postgame. “They found our weaknesses, exposed them, and never let our quarterback breathe.”
Georgia’s pressure didn’t just come from the edge; the Bulldogs sent creative blitz packages that often confused Tennessee’s offensive line. Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann deserves credit for a game plan that kept Tennessee guessing. With linebackers flying in from disguised looks and linemen stunting across gaps, the former 4-star quarterback never looked comfortable.
This performance may further cloud his future as Tennessee’s long-term starter. Despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, questions are beginning to swirl about whether he can consistently perform under duress against top-tier defenses. While the tools are clearly there — size, arm strength, athleticism — the mental side of the game continues to be a work in progress.
For Georgia, it’s yet another reminder of their dominance in the SEC. Even after losing key players to the NFL, the Bulldogs continue to reload, suffocating opposing offenses and making even talented quarterbacks look ordinary.
As Tennessee looks to regroup, the former 4-star recruit will have to shake off this latest disappointment quickly. The season isn’t over, but if he doesn’t start rising to the moment, it’s fair to wonder whether patience — from coaches, fans, and the program itself — might be starting to wear thin.