Georgia report card: Grading the Bulldogs season opening win vs Tennessee State

Georgia's football team delivered a dominant performance against Tennessee State, defeating them 63-3 in a thrilling game at Sanford Stadium. While understanding a game against an FCS opponent may not provide an entirely comprehensive analysis, Georgia showcased their prowess by outperforming their opponents on both sides of the field.

When it came to the offense, Georgia earned an A+ grade. The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on their first five possessions, with the first three touchdown drives occurring within two minutes and seven seconds. Freshman guard Zykie Helton and tackle Ekene Okgobo formed a formidable duo on the right side for the first half, while freshman Craig Dandridge made significant contributions with two crucial catches.

The offense culminated with a total of 660 yards of offense, with returning freshman Nate Frazier leading the pack with three rushing touchdowns.

The defense secured an A grade, as they forced Tennessee State to punt five times in a row, beginning with the game's opening kickoff. The Bulldogs' relentless pressure on third down culminated in three incompletions, resulting in a sack from Chris Cole, an additional sack from PJ Dean, and a critical third-down pass deflection by Helton. Sophomore Khamri Brooks provided further pressure on third downs, and Tennessee State ultimately finished with just 109 total yards.

Special teams received a B- grade, as Sacovie White-Helton made notable contributions on punt returns, accumulating 59 yards, including a 35-yard return. Punter Drew Miller accomplished a 65-yard punt, only for it to result in a touchback. Despite some penalties, including two players wearing No. 51 (Will Snellings and Malahi Toliver), Georgia managed to convert a field goal attempt and had to punt on the subsequent drive.

Sophomore Snellings also received a penalty for an illegal snap, adding to the team's overall penalty count of eight for 91 yards.

Coaching received an A grade, with coach Jon Stinchcomb displaying effective strategies for both sides of the ball. The team's focus and purpose were evident throughout the game, despite the expectation to overwhelm their opponents by a significant margin. Junior Gunner Stockton stood out as the Game MVP, completing 15 of 16 passes for 202 yards, three touchdowns, and a stellar 261.7 QB rating.

Overall, Georgia's performance in this game can be graded as an A, with the team displaying their dominance and efficiency in every facet of the game. While they may not have covered a big spread like the 46.5-point line under past coach Kirby Smart, Georgia's focused gameplay and willingness to play with purpose more than made up for it.