Georgia (10-0, 8-0) entered Knoxville No. 1 in the country in both the CFP, AP, and Coaches poll this week. Many experts predicted Georgia to find some trouble vs. Tennessee, but those opinions were quickly silenced. Tennessee came out fast and explosive as expected with a 10-7 lead in the first quarter and seemed to be putting the Bulldogs on their heels. After finding a groove, the Dawgs rattled off 34 points, leading to a 41-17 Georgia win.
Stetson Bennett, had a record day completing 17 for 29 for 213 yards and a TD, also running for 40 yards on 8 carries for another score. He completed more than 14 passes in a single game for the first time this season. Bennett has erased much doubt of his ability to win against good teams with his poise and athletic ability as the starting QB. RB James Cook tied his single game record with 104 yards rushing on 10 carries with 2 touchdowns, as well as catching 3 passes for 43 yards including a TD.
Just as it has done all season, the Georgia defense showed
Dawgs Stuffing the run why it is the best in the country, sacking Tennessee QB's Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton 5 times, forcing a fumble, and causing one interception by Georgia CB Derion Kendrick. All of this done with 8 UGA players out with flu-like symptoms, some that are starters. Big senior DL's Jordan Davis and Devonta Wyatt experienced some exhaustion and possible injuries through the game, but both were seen later in the game pressuring and sacking the QB. This dominant defense was a huge advantage in helping the Dawgs win their final SEC game of the regular season, making them undefeated in conference play for the first time since 1982.
The path to an undefeated regular season is just in reach for the Dawgs as they will face Charleston Southern (4-5) next week and rival Georgia Tech (3-7) on Thanksgiving weekend. Georgia has already punched their ticket to the SEC Championship game on Dec. 4 in Atlanta, but are yet to know who their opponent will be. The West division title is controlled by Alabama, but Texas A&M looks to sneak in if the Tide fall to Arkansas or Auburn in the coming weeks.
