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1. Hunker Down: Sure, it’s Georgia’s phrase. But what the Vols need most is to simply buckle down and eliminate those mistakes on offense that have stopped drives. Whether it’s penalties, short-yardage or costly turnovers as a result of fundamental (emphasis on the mental) lapses, UT simply can’t afford those back-breakers on the road against a team like Georgia.

2. Pick Your Poison: Georgia is the most balanced offense the Vols will face this season. Teams who shut down the run have a better chance against the Bulldogs, as Alabama did two weeks ago and the Vols did in 2007. If Knowshon Moreno goes wild, it will likely be a long, long day.

3. Draw Some Laundry: Hidden yardage doesn’t just come from the kicking game. Georgia is the most penalized team in the country entering Saturday’s game. If UT can make it draw a few more flags today, that would certainly help. The Vols need to be a little more disciplined on both sides of the ball and avoid costly penalties of their own.

4. Punch Back: UT hasn’t done a good job of recapturing momentum on the rare occasions it’s had some this season. Georgia is too good not to manage a few big plays. The key for UT will be to counter punch. Sanford Stadium is a tough place to play. It’s even tougher when the Bulldogs are rolling.

5. Help Your QB: Nick Stephens showed some encouraging signs last week against Northern Illinois with his 10-for-17 performance. But UT’s running game must chip in, and the offensive line needs to play better this week, too. And a few turnovers that give the offense a short field — or better yet, go for six — would help. Stephens can’t do it all by himself.

5a. Don’t Forget Lennon: That bit from last week’s 5 Big Things about getting tailback Lennon Creer a few more carries? That’s still a good idea.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.