Reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs flexed his muscles and sent top Tennessee Volunteers to pack in a dominant 27-13 win at rain-soaked Sanford Stadium on Saturday.
Stetson Bennett threw two touchdown passes and added one to the ground.
Georgia’s defense broke off Tennessee’s high-powered bout in front of a crowd of over 92,000, including legendary Volunteers quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
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Stetson Bennett (13) of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium November 5, 2022, in Athens, Georgia.
(Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
Tennessee was unable to pick up a touchdown until the end of the fourth quarter.
Hendon Hooker came into play as a favorite in the Heisman contest, but his chances of winning that trophy likely took a hit after he went under 200 yards with no touchdown passes and an interception.
It was a far cry from Hooker’s sensational five touchdown performance in the Vols’ thrilling victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in October.
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The Tennessee offensive line struggled from start to finish on Saturday and Hooker was sacked six times.
Hendon Hooker (5) of the Tennessee Volunteers looks to pass the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium on November 5, 2022, in Athens, Georgia.
(Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
Hooker was also responsible for the loss of a fumble which nearly led to a salvation for Georgia. In the Volunteers’ last possession, Hooker fell back and attempted to run to the fourth down, but failed.
Tennessee entered the game with an average of nearly 50 points per game.
Georgia’s convincing victory will likely lead the Bulldogs to leap from their No. 3rd place in next week’s College Football Playoff Rankings.
Hooker and his powerful superior receivers, Hyatt and Cedric Tillman, were contained by Georgia. The Vols were held back at two field goals in the first half as Georgia took a 24-6 lead in the first half. The rain in the second half only made it more difficult to move against the Bulldogs defense.
Bennett threw passes from 37 yards to Ladd McConkey and 5 yards to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint in the first half. Bennett added a 13-yard scoring run.
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Smael Mondon Jr. (2) of the Georgia Bulldogs takes on Hendon Hooker (5) of the Tennessee Volunteers during the third quarter at Sanford Stadium November 5, 2022, in Athens, Georgia.
(Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
Georgia’s passing bout featured some big plays against the Tennessee secondary. Bennett completed 52 yards from Arian Smith and 49 yards from running back Kenny McIntosh.
The Volunteers will return home to the friendly borders of Neyland Stadium next Saturday for a match against Missouri. Tennessee has won three straight wins against Missouri.
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Georgia will travel to Starkville to play Mississippi State on November 12. Georgia won three consecutive games in that series.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
