ATHENS — If Georgia football was a stock it might rank among the most traded this season, particularly when one considers the highs and lows through three weeks.
The Bulldogs’ offense has looked awful in first-half action against Arkansas and Tennessee, only to see Kirby Smart and his staff make masterful halftime adjustments en route to dominating wins.
The 44-21 victory over the Vols snapped an 8-game Tennessee win streak, but it was no thing of beauty from a technical standpoint.
For the second time this season, an errant snap was a problem, and this time it cost Georgia a touchdown.
Further, Smart admitted he “got suckered” into a he-man contest with Jeremy Pruitt, going for fourth-and-1 at his own 35 with a touchdown lead in the first half.
Pride and ego can have amazing effects during a football game, both good and bad.
Stock Up
Azeez Ojulari: The Game Ball recipient changed the momentum with his third quarter strip sack. The only question is if Ojulari, a redshirt sophomore, will have to pay any property taxes for owning Tennessee, as this was his second straight year with two sacks against the Vols.
RELATED: Azeez Ojulari gets the DawgNation Game Ball, here’s why
Kenny McIntosh: The sophomore stepped up with James Cook out (shoulder) and delivered a noteworthy all-around performance. McIntosh had 8 carries for 45 yards, 2 catches for 36 yards and a 42-yard kick return. McIntosh has become the most versatile and arguably most explosive back on the team.
Kendall Milton: The freshman from northern California showed what all the fuss was about with 56 yards on 8 carries, and one inspiring effort that saw it take no less than 9 Tennessee defenders to hit him before he went down with an 11-yard gain. A late fumble shows there’s work to be done, but the power and balanced Milton showed was undeniable.
Jack Podlesny: The sophomore walk-on boomed a 51-yard field goal that would have been good from another 10 yards, along with a 47-yard field goal.
Monty Rice: A team-high 8 tackles with a strip sack and fumble recovery for a touchdown made for a big day for the senior captain.
Channing Tindall: Two sacks and four tackles for Channing Tindall on limited snaps? Does the Georgia defensive depth ever stop? Kudos to Tindall, a junior, for staying ready and making the most of his chances, that seems to be a trend on this defense.
Eric Stokes: Another interception and quiet day for Stokes, a junior who quarterbacks seem to wisely be avoiding these days.
Stock Even
Adam Anderson: Anderson made the most of his opportunities once again, beating Cade Mays for a strip sack on Jarrett Guarantano that UGA fans certainly enjoyed. Anderson had two sacks against Auburn, so his stock was high entering the game.
Stetson Bennett IV: The Mailman delivered another victory, albeit with unspectacular passing numbers 16 of 27 for 238 yards and 2 TDs. Bennett, however, continues to provide a sneaky good advantage with his feet, also rushing for two first downs along with a TD. As long as the Bulldogs keep winning, his stock remains stable.
Kearis Jackson: It’s nearly impossible to go up after a 9-catch, 147-yard performance, but Jackson did enough to stay even. The redshirt sophomore lead the team in receiving a second straight week with 4 catches for 91 yards and his first career touchdown.
Jake Camarda: The UGA punter has set the bar so high for himself that a 56.5 punting average on two kicks and a 64-yarder from the shadows of his own goal post keeps him even. If you are into punter stock, Camarda is your man.
Stock Down
George Pickens: The uber-talented receiver was limited to two catches for a second straight week, gaining 14 yards on 3 targets. Pickens drew a flag for the immature and unsportsmanlike act of squirting water on a downed Tennessee player on the sideline.
Zamir White: White’s comeback was been filled with hurdles, and the Tennessee game is another one after he was stopped twice from the 1-yard line at the end of the first half and finished with 55 yards on 22 carries.
DJ Daniel: Daniel was rock solid last season, but the cornerback rotation appears to be playing tricks with his mind (confidence), as he looked unusually awkward getting beat for a touchdown.
Early buy-in alert
Last week this added featured delivered Jalen Carter, the hulking defensive lineman who also lines up at fullback. Carter delivered on defense and in the end zone with a 1-yard TD catch.
This week’s buy-in alert is for Tre’ McKitty, who saw his first action of the season against the Vols. McKitty had 2 catches for 47 yards, and he would have had a touchdown had Bennett noticed him streaking open down the middle of the field on another play. McKitty will quickly become a favorite target on the team.
Georgia 44, Tennessee 21 stories
What Jeremy Pruitt said about the Vols’ loss to Georgia
Game ball goes to Azeez Ojulari
What social media is saying about the Bulldogs’ win
Another strong outing for Kearis Jackson
How Georgia football beat Tennessee 44-21
Stetson Bennett sums up positives and negatives from game
Fans shower defense with heavy praise after 44-21 win over Vols
Football observations after Georgia’s 44-21 win over Tennessee
