Georgia football: Defense snuffs out ‘explosive’ Vols offense

For the first time since 1982, Georgia football is 10-0 on the season and finished a perfect 8-0 in regular-season conference play as the Dawgs beat Tennessee 41-17.

On Saturday, Georgia had a test to see if they could handle a high-powered Tennessee offense, and while the Vols found some success, the Dawgs shut it down to get win No.10.

Tennessee showed some muscle on both sides of the ball, slowing Georgia down throughout the first half, but it didn’t take long for Georgia’s defense to settle in and force the Vols to punt or turn the ball over on downs.

This defense is so special, and who cares if they gave up 17 points, they did their job, rattled Hendon Hooker, and came out on top.

Give the Vols some credit, they were not easy as they scored the most points against the Dawgs all season, but they still got beat by 24 points. Granted, the Dawgs had the stomach flu circulating throughout the team, with eight players affected by it.

So even with players sick, the Dawgs handled their business and blew out their ninth straight opponent.

Georgia’s defense held the Vols to 55 rushing yards on 36 carries, averaging 1.5 yards a touch.

The Dawgs gave up 332 yards through the air, but we must say, the Vols came ready to play the Dawgs and gave them a test, but Georgia passed with flying colors. Regardless of giving up over 300 yards through the air, they kept them from staying close.

The team who could tote the rock would win this game, and Tennessee couldn’t. Georgia could, though, as they recorded 274 yards on 41 carries, averaging 6.7 yards a touch. They scored four times on the ground with James Cook leading the way.

Cook scored twice on the ground as he recorded his first 100-yard game. He toted the rock 10 times for 104 yards, averaging 10.4 yards a touch. However, that wasn’t all he did, and he also recorded three catches for 43 yards and one touchdown.

This week, he was the MVP and was the guy Tennessee couldn’t stop no matter how hard they tried. Cook was the ace in the hole and finally had his breakout performance with 147 total yards and three scores.

Stetson Bennett did his job, too, not just through the air but with his feet. He scored his first career rushing touchdown on the season and finished with 40 yards. Through the air, he went 17-of-29 for 213 yards and one touchdown.

Tennessee challenged the Dawgs, but Georgia rose above their opponent like they’ve done for 10 straight games and proved they could beat this explosive offense.

Channing Tindall was a monster for the defense, recording three sacks in the second half alone. Nakobe Dean was also a beast for the Dawgs, and we cannot forget about Quay Walker making a statement as well.

The Dawgs forced Hooker to throw an interception and forced a fumble late in the game. Despite the Vols scoring late, Georgia did a ton to keep it at 17 points. They did their job with some of them being sick with the flu and still shut down Tennessee.

Georgia is an elite team that handled their adversity on Saturday. There were ugly moments, but a win is a win, especially by 24 points. The Dawgs are 10-0 on the season, and that is such a good feeling. Georgia is on a mission, and five games remain in their way.