Georgia's 45-16 victory over LSU might hurt more than help this week, particularly when you combine it with Tennessee's 34-10 loss to Auburn.

"The psychology of the game is not really in our favor," Georgia coach Mark Richt said in response to a question during Sunday's teleconference. "It's dangerous when you have a big victory and the other team has had a tough game.

"It usually lends itself to a letdown. I hope our guys won't allow that to happen. It will be a big job for us as a coaching staff to get them ready to play."

The SEC East standings should help.

If the third-ranked Bulldogs lose to UT on Saturday, the Vols would have the upper hand in the division race.

"I think our players realize that as big as our last game was, this game is bigger," Richt said. "It's so crucial in the East Division standings.

As bad as it felt for Tennessee to lose the game, it was to a West Division foe. They've beaten Florida and if they beat us, they're in the driver's seat."

That scenario would give the Vols the tiebreaker advantage over the Gators and the Bulldogs. South Carolina, which is 2-1 in the conference, also is still in the running for the championship. The Gamecocks lost to Georgia but have yet to play UT and Florida.

Richt also is counting on the Sanford Stadium crowd motivating the Bulldogs.

"I assume our fans will be just as excited about this one (as the LSU game), if not more," Richt said. "I think that will help us generate the excitement we need."

After a rash of preseason and early-season injuries, the Bulldogs should be in relatively good shape for the game.

Guard Max Jean-Giles, their best offensive lineman, didn't play in the second half against LSU after suffering a sprained knee. Richt said an MRI showed "very little problem" and that he expected Jean-Giles to practice this week.

John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284.