Athens, Ga. — On a spirited Saturday night at Sanford Stadium, Carson Beck proved he’s capable of leading Georgia to another national championship.
Demonstrating both his arm strength and mobility, Beck delivered a standout performance with two touchdown passes and a rushing score, propelling No. 11 Georgia to a 31-17 win over No. 6 Tennessee. The victory reignites the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff aspirations.
Georgia (8-2, 6-2 SEC, No. 12 CFP) rebounded convincingly from a 28-10 defeat to Ole Miss, which had pushed them out of the provisional 12-team playoff field. With this win, the Bulldogs are well-positioned for a playoff berth if they can close out the regular season with victories over UMass and Georgia Tech.
“The way we bounced back after last week was incredible. I’m so proud of this team,” Beck said. “Resilience defines us. We stay composed under pressure. It might not always look perfect, but we get the job done.”
For Tennessee (8-2, 5-2, No. 7 CFP), the loss complicates their postseason outlook. A win would have bolstered their case for the SEC Championship Game, but the defeat feels like a playoff elimination blow.
“I don’t know where we stand now,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel admitted. “This league is as tough as it gets. We played a good team tonight, and we’re a good team too. That’s just football in the SEC.”
Beck’s Big Night
In the midst of a challenging season, Beck rose to the occasion, helping Georgia secure its 29th consecutive home win—a streak dating back to 2019. He threw two touchdown passes to tight end Oscar Delp in the first half and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter with a 10-yard scramble, his first rushing score of the year.
The Bulldogs clinched the victory with a methodical 92-yard drive late in the fourth quarter, capped by freshman Nate Frazier’s 2-yard touchdown run with 2:26 remaining.
“A week ago, people wrote us off,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “But this team showed its heart.”
Beck, who had struggled with interceptions in recent games, was flawless against Tennessee. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards and avoided turnovers.
Tennessee Starts Strong, but Georgia Responds
Tennessee, with quarterback Nico Iamaleava cleared after concussion protocol, jumped out to a 10-0 lead thanks to Miles Kitselman’s 1-yard touchdown run and Max Gilbert’s 52-yard field goal. The early lead dampened the spirits of the 93,000-plus fans at Sanford Stadium.
However, Beck and the Bulldogs responded. He found Delp for touchdowns of 19 and 4 yards, giving Georgia its first lead. Although Tennessee regained the advantage with Dylan Sampson’s 27-yard touchdown run, Georgia tied it at 17 heading into halftime after Peyton Woodring’s 36-yard field goal.
Beck’s Mobility Shines
Known more for his passing, Beck contributed with his legs when it mattered most. He posted a career-high 32 rushing yards on three crucial carries: a 14-yard run that set up his first touchdown pass, an 8-yard scramble on third down to extend a drive before halftime, and his 10-yard touchdown run on third-and-7.
“He’s a great athlete,” Smart said. “He made some huge plays with his feet.”
Key Takeaways
Tennessee: The Vols’ defense, which hadn’t allowed more than 19 points in a game all season, was unable to contain Georgia’s offense. The Bulldogs racked up 453 yards and converted eight of 13 third-down attempts. Tennessee has now lost eight straight games to Georgia, all by at least two touchdowns.
Georgia:Despite missing key players like top running back Trevor Etienne (rib injury) and receiver Dillon Bell (ankle), the Bulldogs’ depth shone through. Freshman Nate Frazier, starting at tailback, ran for 68 yards, and London Humphreys made critical plays with three receptions for 63 yards. The offensive line also delivered, preventing any sacks after Beck was brought down five times against Ole Miss.
Georgia’s next focus is maintaining momentum with two games left in the regular season, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
