The No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs earned a 31-17 win over the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers in do or die game for Georgia.
The Volunteers struck first with a commanding 12-play capped off by tight end Miles Kitselman one-yard rush into the endzone. The Volunteers added on a Max Gilbert 52-yard field goal to take an early 10-0 lead. Tennessee controlled the tempo early, leaning on their ground game and short passing to wear down Georgia’s defense.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s offense struggled to find its rhythm. A potential big momentum play fell through when Arian Smith dropped a deep pass, leaving the Bulldogs searching for answers as Tennessee dictated the pace in the opening quarter.
Georgia’s offense finally ignited in the second quarter, thanks in large part to their tight ends. Oscar Delp became a focal point, hauling in two touchdowns—a four-yard grab followed by a 19-yard strike from Carson Beck. energizing the crowd and tying the game. However, Georgia faced setbacks with Dillon Bell leaving the game due to an injury, and a missed opportunity to connect with Dominic Lovett on what could have been a game-changing play going into halftime.
On the defensive side, Georgia struggled to contain Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, who broke loose for an easy 27-yard touchdown run. Kicker Peyton Woodring ended the half with a 36-yard field goal, tying the score at 17-17.
At halftime, head coach Kirby Smart emphasized the need to tackle better, especially against Sampson, and to tighten up the run defense.
Georgia came out of the locker room determined to impose their will. The defense set the tone by forcing a crucial stop on Tennessee’s opening drive of the second half. On the ensuing possession, Lovett, Smith, and Nitro Tuggle stepped up with key receptions, marching the Bulldogs down the field.
Carson Beck once again showcased his mobility. Faced with pressure from Tennessee’s defensive end James Pearce Jr., Beck scrambled out of the pocket and scampered 10 yards for his third total touchdown of the night. The play not only regained the lead for Georgia at 24-17 but also showed Beck’s ability to adapt and lead under duress.
As the game entered the final quarter, Georgia’s defense rose to the occasion. Fulfilling Kirby Smart’s halftime directive to “affect the quarterback and stop the run,” the Bulldogs recorded two crucial sacks and forced a fumble that shifted momentum firmly in their favor.
The blackout crowd played a pivotal role, their deafening cheers rattling Tennessee’s offense and creating an electric atmosphere that Kirby Smart later praised as “special.” With the fans behind them, Georgia’s defense suffocated Tennessee’s attack, allowing the running back Nate Frazier two-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 31-17 in order for the Bulldogs capitalize and seal the victory.