Georgia football just took down No. 7 Tennessee 31-17 in a game the Bulldogs had to win. UGA's season was on the line in this game, but they did what Georgia always does when their backs are against the walls and handled their business.
There are so many positive takeaways from this game for Georgia, but three things really stand out after watching Georgia beat Tennessee for the eighth game in a row.
1. Carson Beck is back
Carson Beck is officially back. After not playing to his potential all year so far, Beck finally had a good performance against Tennessee. Not only was it a good perormance, but it was potentially the best game of his career.
Beck completed 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards and two touchdows. He also finished the game with zero turnovers, which may be the most important stat of all. Beck also added 32 huge yards on the ground, which includes the go-ahead touchdown in the middles of the third quarter.
This is the Beck that Georgia fans thought they would see all season, and if this is the version of Beck that Georgia gets the rest of this season then this team can definitely win a national championship this year.
2. Georgia’s defense shines again
After a few rough games from Georgia's defense, they finally bounced back as well and played extremely well against a talented Tennessee team.
It did not start out that way however as Tennessee scored a quick 10 points in their first three possessions to jump out to an early lead. But Georgia's defense was nearly perfect from there, especially in the second half.
UGA held Tennessee to zero points in the second half. With how good the Vols are on offense, likely nobodly thought that was possible. But the defense did what everyone knew they were capable of and dominated the Vols for just over half of the game.
The only bad thing you could say about Georgia's defense is that they only forced on turnover during the game. But when they played as well as they did and held Tennessee to zero points in the second half, it feels a little silly to be picky about that.
3. Hello College Football Playoff
Now Georgia isn't a lock to make the College Football Playoff because they still need to win their final two games, but this win over Tennessee does it make it feel like there is a spot reserved in the CFP for Georgia now.
After the committee shockingly dropped Georgia to No. 12 in last week's rankings, the Bulldogs were on the outside looking in. But this win will easily bump Georgia up the rankings and put them back inside the current 12-team field.
And with two games left against UMass and Georgia Tech, all Kirby Smart and Georgia need to do is win these games and they are in. At this point there may even be a chance for UGA to make it in if they lose their season finale to Georgia Tech. But it would be in Georgia's best interest to not risk that.
So two more wins against two teams Georgia will be massive favorites against, and the Bulldogs will be in the CFP.