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No. 3 Georgia defeats Tennessee State 63-3, highlights
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- No. 3 Georgia defeats Tennessee State 63-3, highlights
The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-3 last season) started their season with a tuneup against the Tennessee State Tigers from the Ohio Valley Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision. FCS opponents rarely win against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents, so many fans were expecting a good victory to start the season. That's exactly what they received; Georgia toyed with the Tigers 63-3.
That didn't mean there weren't some key things to watch for. Georgia needs to establish a clear WR1, so the results could go a long way toward establishing one. The game also showcased guard Zykie Helton, who's expected to start his first game as a true freshman.
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It was also a way for Georgia to show off its new toys on defense. Ja'Marley Riddle from East Carolina and Khalil Barnes from Clemson received a large number of snaps. Elijah Griffin will be a someone to watch after Xzavier McLeod's departure.
Several true freshman had their moments. PJ Dean collected two sacks, and Elijah Littlejohn earned one. Jeremy Bell, Kaiden Prothro and Jae Lamar scored touchdowns. Gunner Stockton went 15 of 16 for 202 yards and three touchdowns in one half, and the running game had a dominating 272 yards and four touchdowns.
Georgia was favored by about 55.5 to win against Tennessee State, and it covered. The team has historically done poorly at covering the spread, but Bulldogs fans cashed in on Week 1.
Georgia faces the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Sept. 12, 2026.
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Georgia caps dominating victory: UGA 63, TNST 3 Final
Georgia couldn't have started their season better, winning 63-3 against the Tennessee State Tigers. This is the first time the Bulldogs have scored at least 63 points since their Orange Bowl win over Florida State on Dec. 30, 2023.
Stockton left at halftime. Ryan Puglisi went 7 of 13 for 109 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Montgomery had a great 54-yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Bell. The running game mustered 272 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries. Nate Frazier led the way with 72 yards and three touchdowns on four carries. Georgia (1-0) faces Western Kentucky next week.
Jae Lamar has his moment: UGA 63, TNST 3, 8:57 4th Quarter
Several true freshman have shined, and this time, Jae Lamar showed off. On a seven-play, 59-yard drive by Georgia, Lamar burst through for an 11-yard touchdown. Georgia has reached 63 points for the first time since the 2024 Orange Bowl against Florida State.
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Jeremy Bell to the end zone: UGA 56, TNST 3 13:38 4th Quarter
Jeremy Bell also showcased his wheels. On his first touch, he caught a 54-yard touchdown from sophomore Ryan Montgomery.
Double Dean: UGA 49, TNST 3 2:21, 3rd Quarter
PJ Dean is having a heck of a welcome to the show. He sacked Tennessee State quarterback Byron McNair again. He's had a great debut performance.
Kaiden Prothro Pushes Through: UGA 49, TNST 3 5:01 3rd Quarter
There's been a great deal of hype around tight end Kaiden Prothro. Well, he made a great introduction: His first reception was a 16-yard touchdown.
Frazier with the hat trick: UGA 42, TNST 3 10:56 3rd Quarter
Nate Frazier has his third touchdown of the day. This one was 3 yards, but he has 72 yards and three touchdowns on four carries.
Second Half Starts: UGA 35, TNST 3 13:49 3rd Quarter
The Tigers start with the ball in the second half, but they quickly go three-and-out. They have 41 net yards, and they gained 55 on one drive.
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Halftime Comparison: UGA 35, TNST 3
The Georgia Bulldogs have a 35-3 lead; their first five drives resulting in touchdowns. Gunner Stockton went 15 of 16 for 202 yards and three touchdowns before exiting. Ryan Puglisi is 0 of 4 so far. Nate Frazier ended his day with 69 yards and two touchdowns on three carries.
Stat Comparison:
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Yards: UGA 358, TNST 41
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Rushing Yards: UGA 156, TNST -15
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Passing Yards: UGA 202, TNST 56
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First Downs: UGA 17, TNST 5
Tigers on the Board: UGA 35, TNST 3 2:08 2nd Quarter
The Tiger offense, which hadn't picked up a first down, went on a 14-play, 55-yard drive. Tennessee State kicker Preston Hurless knocked it down from 37 yards out.
First Field Goal Try Botched: UGA 35, TNST 0 7:30 2nd Quarter
On a fourth down, kicker Peyton Woodring set up for a 45-yard field-goal try, but the holder muffed the hold. The Tigers tried to convert it, but to no avail.
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Jaden Redell joins the party: UGA 35, TSNT 0 10:39 2nd Quarter
Gunner Stockton throws his third touchdown pass of the day, another to a tight end. This time, Jaden Reddell finds the end zone, making it 35-0 Georgia.
Also, Tennessee State had 0 yards in the first quarter. It has 21 passing yards and minus-21 rushing yards.
Georgia's first sack of the season: UGA 28, V0:28 1st Quarter
The Georgia Bulldogs get their first sack of the season. PJ Dean makes the first sack of his career to end the first quarter. Georgia will get the ball back in the next quarter.
Talyn Taylor Touchdown: UGA 28, TSNT 0 2:08 1st Quarter
Talyn Taylor shows off his world-class talent, taking a dump-off from 11 yards out into the end zone. Georgia is on pace to score 112 points.
Elyiss Williams dives in: TNST 0, UGA 21, 6:30, 1st Quarter
Gunner Stockton fires his first touchdown pass of the season to Elyiss Williams, who flips his way into the end zone, although he nearly loses the football. Stockton is five of six with 74 yards and a touchdown in the early going.
Frazier scores again: UGA 14, TNST 0 10:08, 1st Quarter
Nate Frazier finds a big hole between the left guard and tackle and takes his second run to the house. He has 62 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.
Frazier to the house: UGA 7, TNST 0 13:36, 1st Quarter
Nate Frazier, who is playing with a heavy heart , took the third play from the line of scrimmage 48 yards to the house. Just like that, Georgia is up 7-0.
Kickoff: TNST 0, UGA 0, 14:56, 1st Quarter
Georgia receives the kickoff; Sacovie White-Helton returning it to the UGA 40. Great starting position for the Bulldogs.
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What channel is Georgia vs. Tennessee State on today?
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TV Channel:SEC Network+
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Livestream: Fubo (free trial) , ESPN+
Georgia-Tennessee State will carried nationally on SEC Network+ in Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman and Laura Stickells will call the game from Sanford Stadium. Streaming options for the game include FUBO , which offers a free trial to new subscribers and ESPN+ .
Georgia vs. Tennessee State time today
Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs looks on during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte 49ers at Sanford Stadium
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Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
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Start time: 3 p.m. ET
The Georgia-Tennessee State game starts at 3 p.m. ET from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
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Georgia vs. Tennessee State predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of Sept. 4
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GEORGIA 48, TENNESSEE STATE 6:Georgia has done a great job of limiting opposing offenses in Week 1 throughout the Kirby Smart era. We see that continuing, but Georgia does not typically cover big point spreads against inferior opponents.
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Spread:Georgia by 47.5
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Over/under:54.5
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Money line:Georgia money line is not available; Tennessee State +7000
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: No. 3 Georgia defeats Tennessee State 63-3, highlights
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