The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 48-3 in Sanford Stadium on Saturday for their first home victory of the 2024 season. Following the game, sports editor Bo Underwood graded each position group’s performance.
Quarterbacks
Carson Beck had a nearly flawless game, completing 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards and five touchdowns, equaling a school record. He orchestrated the offense masterfully and overwhelmed the Golden Eagles from the outset. His deep understanding of Mike Bobo’s system was evident. Beck also showcased his mobility with a few impressive runs. After Beck’s early departure, Gunner Stockton came in and completed 10 of 12 passes for 90 yards.
Grade: A+
Running Backs
Trevor Etienne made a strong debut for Georgia, rushing for 78 yards on just five carries and adding two catches for 14 yards. His standout play was a 45-yard run in the second quarter. Nate Frazier had six carries for 28 yards, while Branson Robinson contributed three carries for 22 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season. Georgia’s rushing game performed well overall, gaining 166 yards. Frazier did sustain a shoulder injury but was later cleared to return.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers
Arian Smith excelled again, catching four passes for a team-leading 73 yards and a touchdown, which was a 50-yard bomb from Beck. Colbie Young scored for the second consecutive game in the first quarter. Dillon Bell and Dominic Lovett also caught touchdowns. Beck’s excellent performance benefited the wide receivers significantly.
Grade: A
Tight Ends
Oscar Delp left the game in the second quarter due to an ankle injury, having recorded one catch for 13 yards and contributing as a blocker. Lawson Luckie made a notable play with a 37-yard touchdown reception on Beck’s final play of the game, showing promise after a deep ball performance against Clemson last week. Freshman Jaden Reddell also saw action, catching a pass for five yards.
Grade: B
Offensive Line
The offensive line generally performed well, allowing only one sack of Stockton in the fourth quarter. Freshman Daniel Calhoun had a penalty, but overall, the line provided sufficient protection for Beck to tie the school record for touchdown passes and enabled the team to rush for over 160 yards.
Grade: A+
Defensive Line
Tennessee Tech managed only 116 rushing yards on 2.9 yards per carry. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins led the team with three tackles for loss. Christen Miller had another strong game, recording a sack, and freshman Jordan Thomas added a sack of his own. The defensive line effectively dominated the trenches and stifled the Golden Eagles’ offense.
Grade: A
Linebackers
The linebackers might be the standout group of the team. C.J. Allen led with five tackles, including one for a loss. Smael Mondon Jr. and Raylen Wilson each contributed three tackles, while freshman Chris Cole also recorded a tackle for loss. The group showed excellent speed and energy, making for an entertaining defensive performance.
Grade: A
Secondary
The secondary had a relatively quiet game as Tennessee Tech struggled to pass effectively. Quarterback Jordyn Potts managed just eight passes, completing five for only 18 yards. Despite not recording an interception or pass deflection, the secondary’s dominance was evident. Dan Jackson had two tackles and a fumble recovery, and redshirt freshman Kyron Jones led with three tackles.
Grade: A-
Special Teams
Special teams had a strong showing. Anthony Evans III racked up 62 return yards, including a 46-yard punt return. Peyton Woodring continued his perfect record, making field goals from 32 and 27 yards and converting all extra points.
Grade: A
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