Carson Beck, Georgia takes down Tennessee: Live updates and reaction

This was Carson Beck last year, the one many expected to be in the running for the Heisman Trophy, maybe even the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He had zip on the ball, he threw down the field with precision and he made good decisions.

And in a tribute to predecessor Stetson Bennett, whose touchdown run was the highlight of the 2022 win over Tennessee in Athens, Beck made a surprising use of his own feet: a 10-yard run on third down for the third-quarter touchdown. after a 14-yard run in the second quarter to set up Georgia’s first touchdown. After that run, Beck extended his arm and pointed forward, the first down signal. Maybe a bit cocky, but a sign he was back.

It was Beck’s passing that carried the offense, along with pass protection that was remarkably better than previous weeks. After giving up five sacks in last week’s loss to Ole Miss, Bulldogs left tackle Monroe Freeling gave his first career start, and he along with the rest of the line gave Beck a clean pocket.

Beck threw for more than 200 yards during four consecutive scoring drives in the second and third quarters.

That production came despite a series of drops from his receivers and the loss of starter Dillon Bell, who went out with an ankle injury in the second quarter. Beck turned to veteran tight end Delp, who hauled in the first two touchdowns. Arian Smith and Dominic Lovett atoned for drops with big receptions. London Humphreys hauled in some big chunks. And a true rookie getting his first significant action, Nitro Tuggle, found his way into the game plan.

Five different Georgia players had at least 50 receiving yards. It was the kind of night Georgia envisioned for this year, a confident Beck distributing to a number of opportunities. It finally came together at just the right time.