The Georgia Bulldogs secured a commanding 48-3 victory over Tennessee Tech on Saturday, marking their first home win of the 2024 season at Sanford Stadium. Following the game, sports editor Bo Underwood assessed the performances of each position group.
Quarterbacks
Carson Beck delivered a near-flawless performance, completing 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards and tying a school record with five touchdown passes. Beck demonstrated complete mastery of Mike Bobo’s offense and added a few impressive plays with his legs. After Beck exited early, Gunner Stockton stepped in, finishing 10 of 12 for 90 yards, ensuring the offense didn’t miss a beat.
Grade: A+
Running Backs
Trevor Etienne made a strong Georgia debut, rushing for 78 yards on five carries and adding two catches for 14 yards. His highlight of the day was a 45-yard run in the second quarter. Nate Frazier contributed 28 yards on six carries, while Branson Robinson added 22 yards and a touchdown. Despite Frazier briefly leaving the game with a shoulder injury, Georgia still amassed 166 rushing yards as a team.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers
Arian Smith continued to shine with four receptions for a team-high 73 yards and a 50-yard touchdown. Colbie Young scored for the second consecutive game, while Dillon Bell and Dominic Lovett also found the end zone. Beck’s precision passing kept the wide receiver unit heavily involved, benefiting from a strong offensive showing.
Grade: A
Tight Ends
Oscar Delp, though active early with one catch for 13 yards, left the game with an ankle injury in the second quarter. Lawson Luckie stepped up with a 37-yard touchdown, marking Beck’s final play of the game. Freshman Jaden Reddell also saw playing time and contributed a five-yard reception.
Grade: A-
Offensive Line
Aside from a single fourth-quarter sack allowed when Gunner Stockton was under center, the offensive line performed admirably. Freshman Daniel Calhoun committed a penalty, but otherwise, the line protected well, enabling Beck’s record-tying day and paving the way for over 160 rushing yards.
Grade: A+
Defensive Line
Georgia’s defensive line stifled Tennessee Tech’s ground game, holding them to 2.9 yards per carry on 116 total rushing yards. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins led the charge with three tackles for loss, while Christen Miller and freshman Jordan Thomas each recorded a sack. Georgia’s dominance in the trenches was evident throughout the game.
Grade: A
Linebackers
Georgia’s linebacking corps showcased its talent once again. C.J. Allen led the team with five tackles, including one for loss. Smael Mondon Jr. and Raylen Wilson added three tackles apiece, while freshman Chris Cole contributed a tackle for loss. The group played fast and aggressive, embodying the relentless nature of Georgia’s defense.
Grade: A
Secondary
Tennessee Tech’s passing game was nearly nonexistent, with quarterback Jordyn Potts completing just five of eight passes for a mere 18 yards. While the secondary didn’t record any interceptions or pass deflections, their lockdown coverage made it nearly impossible for Tennessee Tech to gain any momentum. Dan Jackson added two tackles and a fumble recovery, while Kyron Jones led the group with three tackles.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
Georgia excelled in the special teams department. Anthony Evans III racked up 62 return yards, including a standout 46-yard punt return. Kicker Peyton Woodring remained perfect, converting field goals from 32 and 27 yards and all of his extra point attempts. This unit could become even more critical as the Bulldogs enter SEC play.
Grade: A
Georgia’s balanced and dominant performance across all phases of the game set the tone for their home opener, leaving plenty of optimism for the rest of the season.
