Harrison Reno
Oct 102 min
Georgia overcomes a mistake-ridden start to beat the Tennesee Volunteers. The Junkyard defense kept the Vols off the scoreboard in the second half after letting up 21 points in the first half to an efficient Volunteer offense.
A sloppy first half saw Georgia gift Tennessee seven points after a high shotgun snap was batted into the endzone as the Vols defense would hop on it for a free seven points as they got off to an early 7-0 lead. Multiple pass interferences and a few unsportsmanlike conduct penalties would keep Tennessee in the game.
The Georgia defense stepped up once again as they battled against a talented Tennessee offense hot in the first half. The former UGA offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was dialing the Volunteer offense that was able to create some explosive vertical passing plays.
After a sure-fire talking to by Kirby Smart at halftime, the Georgia defense turned it around with a shut out second-half performance. This game resembles the game last year, where Georgia allowed Tennessee to stay in the game for the first half. The Dawgs would eventually pull away in the second half.
A solid start from the man that carries the mail, Stetson Bennett threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns. While completing 16 of 26 passes, Bennett would rush for 16 yards and a touchdown, showing that he can wiggle with the rest of them.
Bennett continued to show his special connection with Georgia breakout receiver Kearis Jackson. Jackson reeled in 4 receptions for 91 yards and picked up his first career collegiate touchdown. Jackson is what the Dawgs needed next to George Pickens in the passing game. Jackson has been a favorite target for Stetson so far this season.
The most unlikely touchdown would come out of the massive jumbo package that Monken has used throughout the season. Freshman defensive linemen Jalen Carter would contribute seven points as he brought in his first receiving touchdown on a play-action pass from Stetson Bennett for a one-yard touchdown.
Georgia’s run game was not as present as a week ago, but a crowded backfield saw multiple running backs stand out. Zamir White led Georgia in rushing with 50 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Without James Cook available for the game, Kenny McIntosh continued to build on his momentum. McIntosh picked up 45 yards on eight touches.
Kendall Milton earned some playtime after contributing 43 yards for the Dawgs, as he showed some runs that resembled Nick Chubb.
Multiple turnovers boosted the Georgia defense as Eric Stokes picked off Jarrett Guantano. That wouldn’t be the end of his turnover troubles as he fumbled on numerous occasions and let up a scoop and score by senior linebacker Monty Rice.
Not the best of games for Georgia as they came out sloppy early but finished dominantly as they fend off the Tennessee Volunteers.