Dawgs on Top: Georgia Too Hot for Tennessee State

Dawgs on Top: Georgia Too Hot for Tennessee State

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Dawgs on Top: Georgia Too Hot for Tennessee State
Georgia Too Hot for Tennessee State
| Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Tony Siracusa, CFB Managing Editor

It was hot on Saturday afternoon at Sanford Stadium. It was 100 degrees at the time of the opening game, the hottest season-opening game in Georgia Bulldogs history. The Georgia offense and defense were cooking as well. Georgia defeated Tennessee State 63-3. The Tigers were outmatched from the start, but Georgia took care of business and played exactly how Dawg Nation has come to expect from their back-to-back SEC champions. But, covering a spread? Georgia was a 49.5-point favorite coming into the game. Georgia took care of business covering the number and breaking a long streak. Smart and Georgia were 0-15-1 against the spread when the line was 38+ points.

Georgia Too Hot for Tennessee State

Stockton Goes Five for Five

Georgia scored on five of its seven first-half possessions. Gunner Stockton had a short but efficient day to start his second year as QB1 of the Dawgs. Georgia scored on all five possessions with Stockton at quarterback. The Tiger, Georgia native was nearly flawless, completing 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo put Stockton in a good position with a number of easy pitch-and-catch screen plays, but also allowed him to take a few shots.

Saturday’s Top Offensive Performances

Running back Nate Frazier got the party started with a big 48-yard touchdown to kick off the scoring for the Dawgs. Like Stockton, Frazier had a very efficient and productive day. Frazier had three touchdowns on four carries and finished with 72 yards on the day. Frazier looks to lead Georgia in rushing for the third straight season this year.

One of the top plays on the day came from one of the biggest players on Georgia’s roster. Elyiss Williams is a 6’7″ tight end who can run and move with grace. He caught a Stockton pass late in the first quarter and leaped over a Tiger defender to put the Dawgs up 21-0.

One of the biggest questions heading into 2026 was who was going to emerge as a top receiving threat for the Dawgs. Georgia had two receivers who also showed they are ready to step up and contribute in 2026. Tayln Taylor and Sacovie White-Helton each had three catches on Saturday. Taylor looks like he could be a big-play receiver downfield, and White-Helton looks to fill the void left by Zachariah Branch in the screen and return game.

Who is QB2?

While Stockton is entrenched as QB1, there is some question and debate about who is QB2. There seems to be a bit of a battle between Ryan Puglisi and Ryan Montgomery for who will be the Bulldog backup.

Puglisi is a third-year player from Avon Old Farms (CT). He was Stockton’s backup last year and replaced Stockton late in the second quarter. Puglisi was alright, finishing seven of 13 for 109 yards and a touchdown. He led Georgia to two touchdown drives in four opportunities. You would have liked to see him carry the hot hand on the first drive he took over for Stockton; after a big 15-yard run, Puglisi missed his next three passes, and a botched field goal snap netted Georgia no points on the drive.

Montgomery, a native of Findlay, Ohio, showed off his big arm early in the 4th quarter when he hit Jeremy Bell for a 54-yard touchdown.

Both quarterbacks are talented and leave Georgia in good hands if something happens to Stockton. In addition, it will also create some intrigue when we head into Spring Ball next season.

Georgia’s Defense Locks Down

Georgia’s defense was stingy on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldog defense held the Tennessee State offense to zero yards in the first half. What was impressive was the amount of pressure that Georgia’s defense was putting on the Tigers’ quarterback. Georgia finished with X sacks on the day, but put Daylin Lee under extreme pressure most of the day.

This had to bring a smile to Larry Knight, one of Kirby Smart’s newest additions to Georgia’s staff. Knight was brought in the offseason to bring some life to the edge and pressure game from Georgia’s front seven. If Georgia had an Achilles’ heel in 2026, it was their inability to get after or put any pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Georgia finished last in the SEC in 2025 with just 20 total sacks across 14 games. Sure, it was just an FCS game, but the pressure and edge were a welcome change for Georgia fans.

The Last Word

Georgia will continue its nonconference schedule next Saturday against Western Kentucky. Kickoff is slated for 12:45 pm from Dooley Field. The game will also be broadcast on the SEC Network. If the matchup doesn’t get you excited, Georgia will be rocking their all-white uniforms for the game. We’ll have your full preview of the matchup as well as a further analysis of UGA’s opener next week.

Main Image:  Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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