Full Breakdown
Georgia Bulldogs Open 2026 Season with 63-3 Victory Over Tennessee State
9/7/2026, 2:45:26 AM
Game Overview
On September 5, 2026, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee State Tigers 63-3 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. Georgia scored on its first five possessions, all while quarterback Gunner Stockton was on the field. Backup quarterbacks Ryan Puglisi, Ryan Montgomery and Hezekiah Millender each added a touchdown drive in the second half. Tennessee State managed a single field goal after a late-half drive.
Context and Conditions
The season-opening contest was played under extreme heat, with the temperature recorded at 101 °F at kickoff and a heat index exceeding 100 °F later in the game. A severe-weather advisory for lightning within 15 miles was posted in the third quarter, but play continued without delay.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Gunner Stockton completed 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards and three passing touchdowns before being substituted early in the second quarter.
- Nate Frazier recorded 72 rushing yards on four carries and three rushing touchdowns, including a 48-yard first-carry score.
- Backup quarterbacks: Puglisi went 7-of-13 for 109 yards and one touchdown; Montgomery was 2-of-2 for 60 yards and a touchdown; Millender was 1-of-1 for 17 yards and a touchdown.
- Receiving corps: Tight ends Jaden Reddell, Elyiss Williams and freshman Kaiden Prothro each caught a touchdown pass; Jeremy Bell received a 54-yard touchdown pass from Montgomery.
- Defensive output: Georgia limited Tennessee State to 10 rushing yards on 30 carries, 62 passing yards, and a total of 109 yards of offense.
- Attendance: The game was announced as a sellout with 93,033 spectators recorded.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Kirby Smart said the heat did not affect his team’s execution and praised the depth displayed at quarterback and tight end. Stockton described the start as “fast” and highlighted the unit’s execution. Frazier expressed enthusiasm for the early success, noting the performance matched his preparation during the offseason. The coaching staff emphasized that the game provided valuable reps for younger players ahead of tougher SEC competition.
On-the-Ground Observations
Fans began leaving the stadium by the end of the first quarter after Georgia built a 28-0 lead. The severe-weather advisory prompted a brief on-screen warning, but no interruption occurred, and only a small portion of the crowd remained for the final minutes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought we started fast today and did our job,” — Gunner Stockton
- “You can’t ask for a better start than that,” — Nate Frazier
- “He did what he always does,” — Gunner Stockton
- “I didn’t want him to practice, but yet he wanted to practice. And to go out and do what Jeremy Bell did; he’s a really talented player and he’s been developing for a couple years now, and he’s starting to come into his own,” — Kirby Smart, georgia coach
- “They’ve got to grow up. They just played Tennessee State. They didn’t play an SEC opponent. They’ve got to grow up and they’ve got to get better because we need them better like, yesterday,” — Kirby Smart, georgia coach
