What just happened: On to Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate
Georgia accomplished its mission.
The Bulldogs entered the day looking to take care of business and limit injuries. It did both. Georgia defeated Charlotte 35-3 and was able to put in its backups early in the third quarter. After punting on its first possession, the Bulldogs scored touchdowns on its next four possessions and never allowed the 49ers to establish any momentum.
Each of those four touchdowns came on the ground, with Nate Frazier scoring the first two and Bo Walker punching in the next two. While quarterback Gunner Stockton didn’t throw a touchdown for the first time in five games, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 196 yards in two quarters and a little more than six minutes.
Frazier carried the ball 12 times for 54 yards and his two touchdowns and Walker ran nine times for 48 yards and three touchdowns.
Next up for Georgia is rival Georgia Tech, with the two teams playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next Friday at 3:30 p.m.
What it means
Georgia has one game remaining in the regular season against Georgia Tech, which will have plenty at stake. The Bulldogs are looking to close 11-1 and potentially reach the SEC Championship depending on what happens elsewhere in the conference. For Georgia Tech, if it defeats Pittsburgh Saturday night, a win over Georgia would potentially clinch a playoff berth no matter what happens in the ACC Championship.
The Bulldogs would love nothing more than to keep ownership over a Yellow Jackets team they have beaten seven years in a row.
A question that needs answering
Can Thomas keep his level of play up?
The fans were right about Noah Thomas early in the year. There was this craving early in the year to see more of Thomas, but the reps weren’t coming. Once Colbie Young was lost for the season, Thomas saw more playing time. And, boy, has Thomas impressed of late.
Thomas scored four touchdowns over the previous three games and then caught four passes for 68 yards against Charlotte. Stockton has looked his way a bunch over the past four weeks as a true second option in the progression. If Thomas can continue this level of play, the Bulldogs will be in a great position against Georgia Tech and in the postseason.
Three important plays
First big play: Midway through the second quarter and on Georgia’s second possession of the game, Stockton used two play fakes before looking downfield for a pass. Stockton then delivered a ball to a wide-open Lawson Luckie, who took the play for 29 yards. This play set up an easy touchdown from Frazier to give Georgia an early 7-0 lead.
Robinson’s interception: With less than nine minutes to play in the second quarter, Ellis Robinson IV picked off Grayson Loftis on a third-and-12 play. This interception led to a Walker rushing touchdown eight plays later.
Thomas’ big play: On Georgia’s first possession of the third quarter, Stockton threw a quick pass to Thomas, who then zig-zagged down the field for 38 yards. This ultimately led to another Walker rushing touchdown to give Georgia a 35-3 lead.
Other games of note
No. 8 Oklahoma 17, No. 22 Missouri 6: Missouri took off seven minutes on its opening drive and settled for a field goal. The Sooners didn’t let much else happen after that. Oklahoma is now a win over LSU away from a likely playoff berth.
Grading Georgia
Offense: A-
A bad interception from Stockton near the end of the first half is keeping this grade from being perfect. Otherwise, it was another well-balanced game from the group, with the Bulldogs doing everything it was expected to do. Georgia also kept it bland and ran a ton of clock, owning time of possession 36:54-23:06. The Bulldogs were able to get the backups in with 8:41 to go in the third quarter.
Defense: A
Before the backups came in, the three points surrendered came thanks to Stockton’s interception. Otherwise, Georgia didn’t allow much from Charlotte, holding it to 169 total yards.
Special teams: A
Zachariah Branch had a good game returning punts, averaging 15 yards per return. After the worst game of his career, punter Brett Thorson got back on track with a 63-yard punt, which was great to see even if it did bounce into the end zone.
Season grades to date
Offense: B
Defense: C+
Special teams: B+