Ex-Tennessee QB Erik Ainge Takes Major Shot At Georgia Fans Ahead Of Showdown Between Vols And Bulldogs

The biggest college football game of the regular season (so far) is set for Saturday as surprise No. 1 Tennessee travels to Sanford Stadium to take on No. 3 Georgia.

The Bulldogs are the reigning national champs and are still undefeated this season. But it’s the Volunteers who have knocked them from their perch atop the rankings after an incredible 8-0 start and a huge upset victory over Alabama.

Georgia provides a true test of the Vols’ mettle, however. And 93,000 fans in Sanford Stadium will be waiting to greet Tennessee and Heisman Trophy candidate Hendon Hooker.

But one former Vols star says that the Bulldogs’ home-field advantage is overblown.

Former Tennessee Vols QB Erik Ainge Calls Atmosphere At Georgia Games ‘Overrated’

Erik Ainge’s career with the Tennessee Volunteers was solid, but not exactly anything to write home about. He does, however, know a thing or two about beating a ranked Georgia team in Sanford Stadium.

Ainge led then No. 13 Tennessee to a 51-33 victory over the 10th-ranked Bulldogs in 2006.  He threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory.

Now, he claims that the Vols won’t have any issues dealing with the Georgia crowd.

“Playing between the hedges is overrated,” Ainge said in a tweet. “Not that loud and definitely not intimidating. It’s nothing like playing in Neyland. Vols will be just fine in Athens!”

I’m sure current Vols coach Josh Heupel must love Ainge giving the Bulldogs bulletin board material.

Former Tennessee offensive lineman Ja’Wuan James, who currently players for the Baltimore Ravens, backed Ainge’s assessment.

“Copy that,” he said. “Fair weather quick to booo the home team if stuff isn’t going well.”

James started 49 games in his Tennessee career, including four against Georgia. But the Vols lost to the Bulldogs all four times, including a 41-14 blowout in Athens in 2010.”

So maybe James isn’t exactly the best source here.