Georgia's football team delivered a commanding 35-14 victory over Kentucky on Saturday, but how did each position group truly measure up? Football beat reporter Romell Williams breaks it down with a detailed report card that pulls no punches. Here’s the full analysis—and trust us, there are a few surprises.
Quarterback: Gunner Stockton’s performance was the epitome of steady reliability, though it lacked the fireworks some fans crave. Completing 15 of 23 passes for 196 yards and a 16-yard touchdown to Cash Jones, Stockton kept the offense moving efficiently. However, here’s where it gets controversial: his first interception of the season and a handful of missed throws prevented the passing game from truly soaring. On the flip side, his two rushing touchdowns showcased his dual-threat capabilities. While the passing game took a backseat to Georgia’s dominant ground attack, Stockton’s management of the game was commendable. Grade: B+
Running Backs: If the offense had a heartbeat, it was the backfield. Georgia’s 180 rushing yards on 44 carries were a testament to this group’s physicality and versatility. Chauncey Bowens led the charge with 70 yards on 15 attempts, while Nate Frazier provided steady support. And this is the part most people miss: wideout Dillon Bell, often used as a running threat, chipped in with two short touchdown runs. This group’s ability to keep the Bulldogs in rhythm and control the game earned them top marks. Grade: A
Receivers and Tight Ends: While the receiving corps didn’t light up the stat sheet, they delivered when it mattered most. Dillon Bell’s one-handed, 33-yard catch was the highlight of the day, and he finished as the leading receiver with 68 yards. Tight ends Oscar Delp and freshman Elyiss Williams made their presence felt, though they weren’t the focal point of the game plan. Bold question: Is Georgia underutilizing its tight ends, or was this the perfect balance to complement the rushing attack? Grade: B+
Offensive Line: Georgia’s injury-depleted offensive front faced a tough test against Kentucky’s blitzes and stunts. While they didn’t always dominate, they did enough to create lanes for the running game and protect Stockton. Controversial take: With a young rotation still finding its chemistry, this group showed promise but has room to grow. Grade: B-
Defensive Line: Georgia’s defensive front was nothing short of dominant. Holding Kentucky to just 45 rushing yards and generating a season-high eight pressures, they set the tone for the entire defense. Thought-provoking question: Is this defensive line the most underrated unit in the SEC? Grade: A-
Linebackers: Junior C.J. Allen stole the show with six tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble he recovered himself. This group’s discipline against the run and sideline-to-sideline pursuit were pivotal in Georgia’s defensive dominance. Grade: A
Defensive Backs: The secondary had its highs and lows. Ellis Robinson IV’s late interception sealed the win, but Kentucky’s freshman quarterback Cutter Boley found openings in the intermediate passing game, throwing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Bold prediction: Georgia’s secondary will need to tighten up against more explosive SEC passing attacks. Grade: B
Special Teams: While not flashy, special teams played a quietly effective role. Punter Brett Thorson’s pinpoint kick and kicker Peyton Woodring’s perfect extra-point attempts were highlights, though a kickoff out of bounds gifted Kentucky favorable field position. Final thought: Is special teams the unsung hero of Georgia’s win? Grade: B+
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