KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 18 Tennessee hosted the No.1 Georgia Bulldogs inside Neyland Stadium. After coming off a 36-7 loss to the Missouri Tigers, the Vols would need to produce early on if they wanted to compete, and that they did.
On the first play from scrimmage, Jaylen Wright found a wide-open hole and ran down the field for a 75-yard touchdown to put UT up 7-0. This was Wright’s fourth time scoring on the opening drive for the Vols this season.
The junior running back took a 42-yarder to the house against USC, a 52-yarder against Kentucky, and ran in an 82-yarder against UConn on the second play of the game.
This is also the fifth time in the Josh Heupel era that Tennessee has scored on their first offensive play from scrimmage.
Georgia was able to get into Tennessee territory early on in its first drive but was forced to kick a 42-yard field goal, making it a 7-3 score.
On the Bulldog's second drive, a trick play gave them their first touchdown of the night. Quarterback Carson Beck tossed the ball to Dillon Bell who then found Rosemy-Jacksaint for an 18-yard wide-open score. The Bulldogs were up 10-7.
Tennessee went three and out for the second time in a row, giving Georgia back the ball. UT’s Doneiko Slaughter intercepted Beck’s pass, but a holding call on Slaughter gave the Bulldogs an automatic first down. However, Tennessee’s defense stopped Georgia from converting on 3rd and eighth.
After the first quarter ended, Dolly Parton was escorted by Peyton Manning to sing Rocky Top in front of Neyland’s crowd.
In the second quarter, Georgia sustained a nine-play drive when Beck connected with Dillon Bell for an eight-yard score to extend the Bulldog’s lead 17-7.
With about 5:30 left in the quarter, Tennessee only had 57 all-purpose yards since Wright’s 75-yarder on the first play.
With the ball back in Georgia’s hands, it was Beck to Dillon Bell again for a nice 21-yard gain to put the Bulldogs at midfield. Beck eventually found Brock Bowers for a three-yard score, 24-7.
On the last drive of the first half, Chas Nimrod made a great catch for a 21-yard gain and a first down. With eight seconds on the clock, Milton tried to find an open man, but his throw was way out of range for any of his receivers.
Charles Campbell’s 37-yard field goal was good, and the Vols cut into the Bulldog’s lead, 24-10.
On the Vol’s first drive of the half, Joe Milton was having trouble connecting with any of his receivers. Meanwhile, it seemed like Beck and his guys were marching down the field quicker and stronger as the game went on.
Georgia’s Rosemy-Jacksaint made an 8-yard catch for the Bulldog’s next touchdown to keep them in the lead, 31-10.
With 3:15 left in the third, Beck had completed 22 of his 27 attempts for 256 yards, compared to Milton completing only 50 percent for 83 yards.
Georgia scored once again right before the final quarter. Kendall Milton made several UT defenders miss to extend the Bulldogs lead once again.
In the fourth quarter, the Vols had a chance to put up some additional points, but Charles Campbell missed a 55-yard field goal.
A botched snap from Georgia gave Tennessee the ball back with 12 minutes left on the clock. The Vols were unable to capitalize on the fumble when Milton overthrew a pass to Chas Nimrod in the center of the endzone.
UT loses this one, 38-10
Tennessee will play Vanderbilt next week inside Neyland Stadium for its last regular matchup of the season. That game will start at 3:30 p.m.
