Georgia vs. Tennessee score, takeaways: No. 1 Dawgs dominate No. 18 Vols as Carson Beck, offense shine

The Bulldogs finished undefeated in SEC regular-season play for the third consecutive season

No. 1 Georgia passed its toughest road test of the season with flying colors Saturday in a 38-10 win at No. 18 Tennessee behind another big game from its thriving offense. It was UGA's 28th consecutive victory, which matched the longest win streak in SEC history, and it marked three years in a row that the Bulldogs have finished regular-season SEC play with a perfect 8-0 record. 

The Bulldogs will have a chance to set a new record for most consecutive victories by an SEC team next week at Georgia Tech before playing Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 2 (4 p.m. ET on CBS). But there was at least some momentary uncertainty over whether the Dawgs would dominate against the Volunteers, who entered riding a 14-game home winning streak.

Tennessee struck first in the SEC East battle with a 75-yard touchdown run from Jaylen Wright on the first play from scrimmage, bringing an early jolt of life to the orange crowd. But the Bulldogs dominated from there, scoring 24 unanswered and never surrendering another touchdown. Carson Beck finished 24-of-30 passing for 298 yards and three touchdowns -- even as one of his top targets, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, missed the game due to sickness.

Star tight end Brock Bowers shined in his second game back from an ankle injury with seven catches for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Dillon Bell also added receiving touchdowns. 

UGA entered ranked No. 1 nationally in third-down conversion percentage and converted 9 of 13 third-down attempts against the Volunteers. On the flip side, the Dawgs limited Tennessee to 2 of 11 on third downs, stymieing a UT attack that wilted for a second consecutive week following a 36-7 loss at Missouri.

CBS Sports was with you throughout the game bringing you live updates, highlights and analysis. Keep it locked here as we update this story below with takeaways from the Dawgs' dominant win over the Vols on Saturday. 

[Nov 18, 2023 at 7:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Carson Beck keeps building a Heisman case

Carson Beck continued to build his Heisman Trophy case with yet another strong passing performance on a day when one of the other contenders, Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, struggled. Pac-12 quarterbacks Bo Nix of Oregon and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington are still contenders for teams with national-title aspirations, while LSU's Jayden Daniels is a statistical wonder. But Beck is firmly established on the perimeter of the race as he continues to improve in his first season as the starter.

Beck's season tally now stands at 21 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions, and he's over 3,300 yards passing. He also used his legs in key moments, scrambling 8 yards for a first down on third-and-6 midway through the first quarter. He converted another third down with his feet midway through the third quarter on the touchdown drive which extended UGA's lead to 38-10.

Given the stage that the SEC Championship Game with Alabama will provide on Dec. 2, Beck will have an excellent chance to assert his Heisman candidacy on the national stage. If his recent performances are any indication, Beck will impress in the spotlight.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 7:12 pm ET · David Cobb]

Vols grinding to a halt

Tennessee's offense is grinding to a halt at the worst possible time. After the game-opening 75-yard touchdown run from Wright, the Volunteers totaled just 202 more yards the rest of the game. Wright's next eight carries covered only 15 yards as the Bulldogs bottled up an essential portion of the Vols' attack. In its seven victories, Tennessee has surpassed 200 yards rushing each time. In their four losses, the Volunteers have not surpassed 133 rushing yards. Their final tally on the ground Saturday was 130.

Last week against Missouri, Tennessee totaled only 83 yards rushing. But it's not all on the offensive line and the backs. Georgia loaded the box against the run because the Vols proved ineffective in the passing game. Joe Milton completed 17 of 30 passes for 147 yards but started just 10 of 20 and only found a rhythm once the game was out of question and the Bulldogs were in soft coverages.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 7:04 pm ET · David Cobb]

Dillon Bell emerges as a weapon

Add a new weapon to Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo's deep well of options: Dillon Bell. The versatile sophomore receiver and occasional running back didn't record a single catch the past two weeks and entered with just 14 for the season. But against Tennessee he emerged as a focal point of Georgia's attack. Bobo deployed Bell in an array of roles, including as a passer.

With Georgia trailing 10-7 late in the first quarter and facing a third-and-5, Bell lined up in the backfield and took a toss from Beck. It looked like he was going to run for the sticks until he pulled up and fluttered a precisely thrown touchdown pass to Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint. Two possessions later, Bell caught a touchdown pass from Beck.

But his most impressive contribution may have been on a third-and-12 play late in the first half. Faced with a third-and-12, Beck lofted a pass down the right sideline to Bell, who was blanketed by Tennessee defender Doneiko Slaughter. Bell elevated above him and made the catch while keeping a foot inbounds to extend what became a backbreaking touchdown drive.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 6:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia dominates Tennessee on the road

No. 1 Georgia passed its toughest road test of the season in flying colors Saturday with a 38-10 win at No. 18 Tennessee behind another big game from its thriving offense. It was UGA's 28th consecutive victory, which matched the longest win streak in SEC history, and it marked three years in a row that the Bulldogs have finished regular season SEC play with a perfect 8-0 record. Carson Beck finished 24 of 30 passing for 298 yards and three touchdowns even as one of his top targets, Ladd McConkey, missed the game due to sickness.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 6:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Exchange mistake

If Georgia coach Kirby Smart needs something to be angry at his team about, another botched snap just gave him some material. Tennessee fell on it and will start in good field position. Between that one and the botched snap in the first quarter, the Bulldogs have a couple of little details to clean up with QB-center exchanges. Ultimately, Tennessee failed to capitalize after failing on fourth-and-goal.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 6:16 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ladd McConkey clarification

For those wondering why Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey hasn't played today, sideline reporter Jenny Dell found out and reported on the broadcast that he's been sick. McConkey has been on the sideline but noticeably absent from the action. It's a credit to Georgia's deep well of weapons that such a key piece like McConkey is out and it's hardly seemed to matter. It's also opened the door for Dillon Bell to thrive in a bigger role.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 6:03 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kendall Milton gets in on the action

End 3Q: Georgia 38, Tennessee 10

Kendall Milton officially removed all doubt from this one with a 15-yard touchdown run at the 1:03 mark of the third quarter. The UGA running game has been a little quiet today, but that was a nice scamper for the Dawgs against a Tennessee defense that appears to be worn down. Carson Beck is up to 23-of-28 passing with 275 yards and three touchdowns. UGA may have the luxury of pulling many of the first-teamers in the fourth quarter.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 5:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia hammers another one home

Carson Beck hit — guess who — Dillon Bell for a 24-yard gain on third-and-7 to keep Georgia's drive alive. Bell is having the game of his life in Knoxville, and the Bulldogs now lead 31-10 because of it. Beck found Rosemy-Jacksaint for an 8-yard scoring strike a couple of plays later. Rara Thomas, Dominic Lovett and Ladd McConkey have been MIA today, and it really doesn't matter. UGA just has so many weapons and is making life a nightmare on Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 5:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee gets a stop, Bowers limps off

Tennessee just got the stop it so desperately needed to begin the third quarter as Carson Beck missed on a couple of passes. In fact, his first incompletion directed toward Dominic Lovett was nearly picked off. So the Volunteers have a glimmer of hope early in the third quarter as they take over at their own 24-yard line. Of note for Georgia: Brock Bowers appeared to limp off and was receiving attention from the UGA training staff on the sideline. Remember, this is just his second game back from tightrope surgery on his ankle.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 5:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia football to begin the half

Georgia scored on four of its five possessions in the first half, and the first possession of the third quarter will be critical in determining the direction the rest of this game takes. With another score, the Volunteers may be down for the count. But Neyland Stadium could get a little juice back if Tennessee comes up with a stop. Ultimately, the Bulldogs are proving to be an offensive juggernaut with Brock Bowers fully healthy and back in the swing of things and with seemingly random options such as Dillon Bell making significant contributions.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 5:13 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

HALF: Georgia 24, Tennessee 10

Stop me if you've heard this one before, but after getting off to a slow start, and allowing their opponent to score, the Georgia Bulldogs have taken control of a game before halftime. Things got off to a terrific start for Tennessee, as the Vols scored on a 75-yard touchdown run from Jaylen Wright on the game's first play from scrimmage, but it's been all Dawgs since.

Carson Beck has completed 17 of his 20 pass attempts for 210 yards and two touchdowns, as he continues to be one of the most efficient passers in the country. Then there's Dillon Bell, who caught one of Beck's two touchdowns, and was so inspired by what he saw, decided to throw one too, as he hit Marcus Romesy-Jacksaint for an 18-yard score to give the BUlldogs their first lead late in the first quarter.

The Vols had a chance to score a touchdown late in the half, but were held to a field goal as time expired. The Bulldogs will receive the ball too start the second half.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 5:07 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia showing why it's No. 1

Half: Georgia 24, Tennessee 10

Georgia jumped Michigan for No. 1 in the College Football Playoff Rankings this week, and it's looking like a well-deserved honor. The Bulldogs were an offensive machine in the first half against Tennessee, converting 5 of 7 third-down attempts and repeatedly gashing the Volunteers' pass defense. Blitzes proved ineffective against a stout UGA front, even with starting right guard Tate Ratledge leaving due to injury in the first quarter. The Volunteers punted on four straight possessions after scoring on their first play from scrimmage and only reached Georgia territory again during the 2-minute drill late in the half. Ultimately, the Vols settled for a field goal on that possession to make it a two-possession game entering the break.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:51 pm ET · David Cobb]

Game of Dillon Bell's life

Late 2Q: Georgia 24, Tennessee, 7

Georgia's sophomore receiver has matched his season-high in receptions with three and surpassed his season-high in yards. He's also got a passing touchdown. The former three-star prospect has been a lightly used player the last two seasons but has suddenly become a focal point today. On Georgia's latest touchdown drive, he made a beautiful 21-yard reception down the right sideline on third-and-12 to keep the possession alive. The Bulldogs are in full command.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:44 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia's defense is looking strong

Tennessee's early touchdown run turned out to be a bag of fool's gold. The Volunteers have not reached Georgia territory on four possessions since then and trail 17-7 as Georgia takes over. UGA also gets the football to start the second half, so the Bulldogs can really start to pull away with a touchdown here late in the second quarter. The test many envisioned for UGA on the road today simply hasn't materialized due to the Vols' inability to string anything together offensively.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:36 pm ET · David Cobb]

Todd Monken's creativity on display

Georgia pulled off a fake double reverse as Carson Beck hit Brock Bowers down the left sideline for a gain of 19 to set up the Bulldogs in the red zone. From there, Beck found Dillon Bell for a 9-yard score. Bell, of course, threw for Georgia's first touchdown of the day. It appears the Bulldogs are picking up right where they left off against Ole Miss last week when they amassed more than 600 yards.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Sputtering pass game

Tennessee's passing game continues to be a shell of its 2022 self. That series featured a 50-50 downfield shot to Ramel Keyton that fell incomplete and a an incompletion on third-and-3 as Milton overshot Squirrel White on a slant right across the right side. If the Vols can't complete those quick-hit slants, it's going to be a long day with UGA loading up against the run with little fear of Milton beating them through the air.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:21 pm ET · David Cobb]

Fun first quarter in Knoxville

End 1Q: Georgia 10, Tennessee 7

The first quarter featured a little bit of everything as No. 1 Georgia puts its 27-game winning streak on the line against No. 18 Tennessee. The Volunteers began the game with a 75-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Wright on the first play from scrimmage but went three-and-out twice from there. Georgia moved the football well and surged ahead on a trick play before a Carson Beck interception that was called back on a controversial holding call. Ultimately, the Vols will begin the second quarter with the football and in dire need of some offensive momentum to give their defense some rest.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:17 pm ET · David Cobb]

Rare Carson Beck interception called back

What a break for Georgia. It looked like Carson Beck had thrown just his sixth interception of the season. Instead, the Volunteers' Doneiko Slaughter was called for holding. He was the player who intercepted the pass, and it didn't look like there was much to warrant a flag. Nonetheless, UGA gets some good luck and marches on after Tennessee's second consecutive three-and-out.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Trick play touchdown puts Georgia ahead

Mike Bobo just reached into the bag of tricks to give Georgia a 10-7 lead. Reserve receiver Dillon Bell found Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint on a halfback pass for an 18-yard touchdown to cap a 65-yard drive. It looked like Tennessee had a running play sniffed out, but the Bell let it fly, and there was no one near Rosemy-Jacksaint. Key plays on that drive included a couple of third-down conversions by Carson Beck, including one with his legs and one with a dart of a throw to Brock Bowers.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 4:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Vols with an ugly three-and-out

Tennessee was unable to build off the momentum of its 75-yard opening touchdown run as it went three-and-out on series No. 2. The Vols picked up six yards when Joe Milton completed a pass to himself off the helmet of an offensive lineman. Between the early touchdown run and botched snap, Georgia may weathered the early storm. Bulldogs get it at their 35 following just a 33-yard punt from Jackson Ross.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:54 pm ET · David Cobb]

Negative play hampers Dawgs

Carson Beck botched a snap on first-and-10 from the Tennessee 28-yard line to put the Bulldogs behind the chains on their opening drive. Faced with a third-and-18 at the 36-yard line, UGA played it safe and dumped it over the middle to Brock Bowers, who helped set up a manageable field goal. Peyton Woodring drilled it to make the score 7-3. Georgia moved the football well until the unforced error stalled momentum. Bowers already has three catches in his second game back from injury, but he did whiff on a catchable second-and-18 pass from Beck.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:42 pm ET · David Cobb]

What a start for Tennessee

On the first play from scrimmage, Jaylen Wright ran 75 yards up the middle — untouched by Georgia's defense — to score a touchdown. The Volunteers are up 7-0, and Neyland Stadium is on fire. Just 11 seconds in and the Vols have thrown the first punch. Tennessee is unbeaten when surpassing 200 yards rushing, and it's off to a great start on the quest for 200 today.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Here we go on CBS

Neyland Stadium is at peak capacity as the No. 18 Volunteers welcome No. 1 Georgia to town. Tennessee has won 14 straight at home. But the Bulldogs have won 27 straight games overall and are one victory away from matching the SEC's longest-ever win streak. Georgia won the toss and deferred to the second half, meaning Tennessee will get the football first.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia vs. Tennessee prediction

Tennessee may keep it close for a half behind the energy of what figures to be an electric Neyland Stadium. Third-year coach Josh Heupel drew up an excellent game plan which had the Volunteers ahead of Alabama on the road at halftime and can help scheme his team to a similarly competitive early showing in this one. But Georgia is simply too dominant offensively and should pull away after halftime against a UT squad that lacks the firepower from its passing game needed to keep pace with UGA's diverse attack. Pick: Georgia -10

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Last year's meeting

No. 3 Georgia dominated No. 1 Tennessee on a rainy day at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, that proved even more depressing for the Volunteers' national championship aspirations. The Bulldogs jumped into first place alone atop the SEC East standings after a 27-13 demolition of the rival Vols that continued Georgia's torrid run as reigning champions and knocked Tennessee from the ranks of the unbeaten. If you care to relive that one, click HERE for our full recap from last year's battle.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Georgia's offense is hitting its stride 

Georgia is getting healthier, better and more versatile offensively as the season progresses. The Bulldogs surpassed 300 yards passing and 300 yards rushing in a 52-17 rout of Ole Miss last week in what amounted to a nearly flawless performance. Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton each scored two rushing touchdowns while Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers each made touchdown catches. McConkey and Bowers have dealt with injuries this season but are back for the home stretch and combining with a deep well of talented receivers such as Dominic Lovett, Rara Thomas and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint to give quarterback Carson Bowers an embarrassment of riches. Beck trails only LSU star Jayden Daniels in passing yards, and he is making up ground. 

[Nov 18, 2023 at 2:15 pm ET · David Cobb]

Running is everything for the Vols

Tennessee is 7-0 when it surpasses 200 yards rushing and 0-3 when it doesn't. In fact, the Volunteers have totaled just 133, 100 and 83 yards, respectively, in road losses against Alabama, Florida and Missouri, never averaging more than 3.6 yards per rush in those defeats. In its victories, Tennessee has never averaged fewer than 4.7 yards per pop on the ground and ratcheted that total all the way up to 6 yards per carry in a win over South Carolina on Sept. 30. Georgia is tied for 43rd nationally in yards allowed per attempt, surrendering 3.77 yards per carry. That's a respectable figure but not near the levels of dominance the Bulldogs enjoyed the past two seasons. However, UGA has allowed only one opponent, Auburn, to surpass 200 yards on the ground. It's no coincidence that it was Georgia's closest call this season.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 1:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

History at stake 

With a win, the Bulldogs would become the first SEC program to finish 8-0 in regular season SEC games for three consecutive seasons. Georgia's 27 straight overall victories are also one shy of tying the league record, which was set by Alabama from 1978-80 and again by the Crimson Tide from 1991-93. A win against the Volunteers would set the Dawgs up to claim the SEC's all-time record for consecutive victories next week at Georgia Tech in the regular-season finale.

[Nov 18, 2023 at 12:45 pm ET · David Cobb]

Tennessee vs. Georgia preview

No. 1 Georgia passed consecutive tests against ranked foes Missouri and Ole Miss to begin November and rose to the top spot in this week's College Football Playoff Rankings as a result. Now comes a different type of test as the Bulldogs will head on the road for a challenge against No. 18 Tennessee in one of the only true road environments that UGA is encountering this season.

The first time Georgia played a road game this season, it needed a late touchdown from star tight end Brock Bowers for a 27-20 win over Auburn on Sept. 30. Its only road game since then came in a 37-20 win at Vanderbilt on Oct. 14 in the SEC's least-intimidating venue with a heavy contingent of Dawgs fans present. Similarly, the Bulldogs will technically close the season on the road against Georgia Tech next week, but there is expected to be ample red inside Bobby-Dodd Stadium for that game in Atlanta. Thus, this Week 12 showdown inside Neyland Stadium could provide a unique and rare challenge as the Bulldogs strive for a third straight national title.

Tennessee has won 14 straight home games and needs a marquee victory to hang its hat on as losses to Florida, Alabama and Missouri have dampened the program's momentum following the high of an Orange Bowl victory to close the 2022 season.