It wasn’t a performance for the highlight reels, but the Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) managed to grind out a narrow 13-12 victory over the Kentucky Wildcats (1-2) Saturday night at Kroger Field. Despite offensive struggles, the Bulldogs secured their first SEC win of the 2024 season, extending their dominance with their 15th consecutive win over Kentucky and a remarkable 42-game regular-season winning streak.
Georgia’s defense came through in critical moments, while the offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck, sputtered for much of the night. However, two pivotal plays late in the game—one by wide receiver Arian Smith and the other by running back Branson Robinson—proved to be the difference-makers that helped Georgia escape with the victory.
Branson Robinson TD!! His 2nd on the season since battling back from last year’s knee injury pic.twitter.com/L6Eim1qm6N
— Kramer (@KramerNFL) September 15, 2024
Robinson’s game-changing moment arrived in the fourth quarter when he powered into the end zone for a three-yard touchdown, putting the Bulldogs ahead 13-9. It was a crucial score for Georgia, and for Robinson, it marked his second touchdown since returning from a season-ending knee injury that sidelined him in 2023. Although Robinson had a limited impact overall, rushing just twice for five yards, his presence in key moments was undeniable.
Smith’s clutch contribution came in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. With just two minutes left, tight end Oscar Delp fumbled after an 8-yard reception from Beck, but Smith was there to recover the loose ball and secure a first down. This critical recovery allowed Georgia to continue running down the clock, keeping Kentucky’s upset hopes at bay. Kentucky did manage to get the ball back with only nine seconds left, but it wasn’t enough time for the Wildcats to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, head coach Kirby Smart noted the difficulty of winning on the road in the SEC. “When you play on the road in the SEC, people don’t respect that,” Smart told ESPN’s Molly McGrath. “And I’m not sure our guys listened to the message all week because this is a good football team. You don’t judge SEC football teams on one week.”
“When you play on the road in the SEC, people don’t respect that. And I’m not sure our guys listened to the message all week because this is a good football team. You don’t judge SEC football teams on one week,” – Kirby Smart pic.twitter.com/us3PIgRFGC
— Kramer (@KramerNFL) September 15, 2024
Though Georgia walked away with the win, the offensive struggles are cause for concern as they prepare for tougher SEC matchups. The Bulldogs will have a bye week to make the necessary adjustments before facing the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 5, a game that could significantly shape the SEC standings and playoff picture.
While it wasn’t a picture-perfect performance, clutch plays from Smith and Robinson ensured Georgia avoided an early-season upset and extended their unbeaten streak. However, improvements are needed if the Bulldogs hope to maintain their status as one of the nation’s top contenders.
