The numbers say the Georgia Bulldogs emerged with a relatively easy two-touchdown victory when they got the best of No. 1 Tennessee in Saturday's showdown, but Georgia coach Kirby Smart knows the difference between the two teams was the presence of quarterback Stetson Bennett.

Bennett ran for 1 touchdown and passed for 2 more in No. 3 Georgia's 27-13 victory over the Volunteers.  “He’s a winner. I mean, let’s be honest: the guy wins,” Smart said.  “He’s stubborn as hell sometimes, but he’s a competitor”

The Bulldogs needed a top effort from their quarterback in his matchup with Heisman Trophy hopeful Hendon Hooker. Bennett completed 17 of 25 passes for 257 yards to go along with his 2 TD passes. Stetson did not throw an interception. Hooker completed 23 of 33 passes for 195 yards but he did not have a TD pass and he threw 1 interception.

The Bulldogs got solid contributions from wideout Ladd McConkey and running back Kenny McIntosh. McConkey caught 5 passes for 94 yards and 1 TD while McIntosh rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Charles Woodson, center, celebrates an interception made by Michigan defensive back R.J. Moten (6) against Maryland during the second half at the Michigan Stadium
Charles Woodson’s son reveals Michigan football offerScotty White ·
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Team Maize defensive back Jo'Ziah Edmond (16) during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium
Michigan football WR coach reveals ‘unique’ Bryce Underwood traitsScotty White ·
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lincoln Riley reveals reason for USC football’s recruiting surgeScotty White ·
The Tennessee State Tigers released their 2024 football schedule with high hopes of competing for a Big South-OVC conference title.
Former Boston College quarterback heading to Tennessee StateRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines defensive back Aamir Hall (12) attempts to break up a pass to Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Ryan Williams acknowledges ‘frontrunner’ in Alabama football QB battleScotty White ·
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Womble Football Center.
Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire sends ‘bias’ warning to CFP formatLorenzo J Reyna ·

The Bulldogs took charge of this epic battle between SEC powerhouses in the early going. Tennessee broke on top 3-0 when Chase McGrath connected on a 47-yard field goal, but the Bulldogs responded with 3 touchdowns in a 10-minute span.

Bennett got the Bulldogs on the board with a 13-yard touchdown run and he followed that with a 37-yard TD pass to McConkey. Stetson Bennett continued his assault when he connected with Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint on a 5-yard scoring pass.

The win is likely to propel the Bulldogs into the No. 1 position in the College Football Playoff rankings. Ohio State is currently the No. 2 team, but the Buckeyes struggled mightily in their 21-7 victory over Northwestern.