ATHENS, Ga. — Carson Beck stepped up when it mattered most, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, leading No. 11 Georgia to a 31-17 win over No. 6 Tennessee on a lively Saturday night. This important victory gives the Bulldogs a significant boost in their quest for the College Football Playoff.
After suffering a tough loss to Ole Miss, Georgia (8-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference) had been on the edge of missing the 12-team postseason field. Now, they are in a strong position for a playoff spot and have a chance to secure their third national title in four years, provided they finish the regular season with wins against UMass and Georgia Tech.
Tennessee (8-2, 5-2) had the opportunity to inch closer to the SEC championship game but now faces uncertainty regarding their postseason chances after this critical matchup.
Beck, who had faced criticism earlier in the season, delivered a standout performance to secure Georgia’s 29th consecutive home win, the longest streak in the FBS since 2019. He connected with tight end Oscar Delp for two touchdown passes in the first half and added a 10-yard touchdown scramble in the third quarter, marking his first rushing TD of the year.
Georgia secured their victory with an impressive 92-yard drive in the closing minutes, capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run from Nate Frazier. Beck finished the game without any interceptions, completing 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards, a welcome change after throwing 12 picks in his last six games.
Despite missing quarterback Nico Iamaleava due to concussion protocol, Tennessee jumped to an early 10-0 lead with Miles Kitselman’s 1-yard touchdown and a 52-yard field goal from Max Gilbert, sending a wave of concern through the stands of Sanford Stadium. However, Georgia fought back, taking the lead as Beck found Delp in the end zone twice.
Tennessee briefly reclaimed the lead with a 27-yard rushing touchdown by Dylan Sampson, but Beck led the Bulldogs to tie the game with a 36-yard field goal right before halftime.
The game highlighted the contrasting defenses; Tennessee had previously limited opponents to 19 points or fewer all season but struggled against a potent Georgia offense that racked up 454 yards and 24 first downs. Georgia has now won against Tennessee for the eighth consecutive year, all by at least two touchdowns.
Looking ahead, Tennessee will return home next Saturday to face UTEP before heading to Nashville for a game against Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, Georgia will play two non-conference games at home to finish off their regular season, starting with UMass next Saturday, a matchup they are expected to handle easily.
