Carson Beck’s strong performance helped No. 12 Georgia defeat No. 7 Tennessee 31-17, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion on a lively Saturday night at Sanford Stadium. This victory significantly enhanced the Bulldogs’ prospects for the College Football Playoff.
Georgia (8-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference, No. 12 CFP) rebounded from a disappointing 28-10 defeat against Ole Miss, which had left them on the cusp of the postseason picture. With this win, they now have a clearer path to a potential playoff berth and the opportunity to vie for their third national championship in four years, provided they can secure victories against UMass and Georgia Tech in their remaining games.
For Tennessee (8-2, 5-2, No. 7 CFP), the defeat clouded their chances of reaching the SEC Championship Game. What was anticipated to be a pivotal matchup for playoff implications turned into a setback, complicating their postseason aspirations.
In a season marked by struggles, Beck emerged as a key player for the Bulldogs when they needed him most, extending their home winning streak to 29 games, the longest in the FBS since 2019. He threw two touchdown passes to tight end Oscar Delp in the first half and executed a 10-yard rushing touchdown, marking his first of the season.
The Bulldogs capped off their victory with an impressive 92-yard drive, their longest of the season, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Nate Frazier with just over two minutes left in the game. Beck, who had struggled with interceptions in previous games, completed 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards without a single pick against the Volunteers.
Despite a slow start, which has been a recurring theme for Georgia, Beck found Delp for two scoring passes, showcasing a strong connection that proved vital. Tennessee briefly regained the lead with a 27-yard touchdown run by Dylan Sampson, his 21st rushing touchdown of the season, but Beck responded by leading the Bulldogs to a field goal just before halftime, tying the game at 17.
The Bulldogs faced challenges with injuries, missing their top running back Travis Etienne due to a rib issue and losing receiver Dillon Bell to an ankle injury late in the first half. Nevertheless, Frazier stepped up with 68 rushing yards, and London Humphreys made three crucial receptions for 63 yards. The offensive line also performed admirably, protecting Beck effectively after a tough outing the previous week against Ole Miss.
Next, the Volunteers will host UTEP before concluding their regular season against Vanderbilt on November 30. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will finish their schedule with two non-conference matchups at home, starting with UMass, a team that poses little threat at 2-8.
