No. 12 Georgia Rolls Past Kentucky 35–14 on Homecoming
Bulldogs Bounce Back Behind Gunner Stockton’s Dual-Threat Performance
ATHENS, Ga. — The No. 12 Georgia Bulldogs returned to form Saturday afternoon, defeating Kentucky 35–14 in front of a Homecoming crowd of more than 93,000 at Sanford Stadium. Quarterback Gunner Stockton accounted for three total touchdowns as Georgia’s offense delivered one of its most balanced and complete performances of the season.
The victory lifted Georgia to 4–1 overall and 2–1 in SEC play, while Kentucky fell to 2–3 and 0–3 in conference competition. The Bulldogs extended their winning streak over the Wildcats to 16 games and improved their Homecoming record to 83–18–2, maintaining one of the best marks in college football history.
Fast Start for the Bulldogs
After sluggish first halves in previous games, Georgia made it a point to start fast. Receiving the opening kickoff, the Bulldogs orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by a seven-yard rushing touchdown from Stockton. The sophomore quarterback showed command early, mixing quick passes with timely scrambles to keep Kentucky’s defense off balance. Running back Chauncey Bowens provided key support, picking up tough yards between the tackles.
Following a quick three-and-out by Kentucky, Georgia took over deep in its own territory at the four-yard line. The offense responded with another statement drive, covering 96 yards over 13 plays. Stockton again found the end zone, this time on a designed keeper that fooled the Wildcats’ front. By the end of the first quarter, Georgia had already built a 14–0 lead and complete control of tempo.
Kentucky’s offense finally found life early in the second quarter. Quarterback Cutter Boley led a four-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a 29-yard touchdown strike to tight end Josh Kattus, cutting the deficit to 14–7. The Wildcats’ momentum was brief, as Georgia quickly answered with another long drive. Dillon Bell scored on a three-yard end-around, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 21–7 with less than three minutes left in the half.
Kentucky reached the Georgia 10-yard line just before halftime but failed to convert, as kicker Jacob Kauwe missed a 26-yard field goal. Georgia entered the locker room with a 21–7 lead after outgaining the Wildcats 241–160 and converting six of seven third-down opportunities.
Defense Takes Over in the Second Half
Georgia’s defense wasted no time making an impact after the break. On Kentucky’s opening possession of the third quarter, linebacker CJ Allen forced and recovered a fumble, giving the Bulldogs prime field position at the Wildcats’ 38-yard line. Two plays later, Stockton connected with tight end Oscar Delp for a 36-yard gain down to the five-yard line. Bell punched it in moments later for his second touchdown of the day, extending Georgia’s lead to 28–7.
The Bulldogs dominated both lines of scrimmage from that point on. The defensive front consistently pressured Boley, forcing hurried throws and limiting Kentucky’s run game. The Wildcats, who entered the contest averaging over 150 rushing yards per game, managed only 45 for the afternoon.
Midway through the third quarter, Georgia effectively put the game out of reach. Stockton delivered a perfectly placed 16-yard touchdown pass to Cash Jones, capping another efficient drive and pushing the lead to 35–7. Stockton exited early in the fourth quarter after completing 15 of 23 passes for 196 yards and three total touchdowns — two rushing and one passing — in a performance that showcased his dual-threat capability.
Kentucky managed a late score on a five-yard touchdown pass from Boley to Kendrick Law, but it was too little, too late. Georgia’s reserves closed out the final minutes, maintaining possession and controlling the pace to secure the 35–14 win.
A Complete Offensive Effort
Georgia finished with 425 total yards of offense, including 180 on the ground. Chauncey Bowens led the rushing attack with 70 yards on 15 carries, while Bell added two rushing touchdowns and 33 receiving yards. The offensive line, even after losing Monroe Freeling to a leg injury, provided consistent protection and created running lanes throughout the contest.
Third-down efficiency proved pivotal for Georgia’s offense. The Bulldogs converted nine of their first ten third-down attempts and held the ball for more than 33 minutes. Sustained drives kept Kentucky’s defense on the field, wearing down its front seven and limiting opportunities for offensive adjustments.
Defensive Execution and Key Contributions
Defensively, Georgia was dominant from start to finish. The Bulldogs held Kentucky to 270 total yards, forced two turnovers, and recorded four sacks. Linebacker CJ Allen anchored the unit with six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack, while cornerback Ellis Robinson IV sealed the game with a late interception.
Georgia’s defensive front clogged running lanes and consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing Boley to rely on short, quick throws. Kentucky converted only three of twelve third-down opportunities and struggled to sustain drives. The Wildcats’ failure to capitalize on their few red-zone chances — including the missed first-half field goal — proved costly.
Kentucky’s Missed Chances
Kentucky flashed potential in spurts but failed to sustain consistency. Boley finished 25 of 41 for 207 yards and two touchdowns but was under constant duress from Georgia’s pass rush. Receiver Kendrick Law led with six receptions for 64 yards and a score, while tight end Josh Kattus added the team’s other touchdown.
The Wildcats’ defense showed effort but couldn’t contain Georgia’s ground game. Missed tackles and penalties extended Georgia’s drives, and a lack of situational discipline cost them points before halftime. The failed red-zone possession late in the second quarter was a turning point that prevented Kentucky from closing the gap before the break.
Momentum Restored
For Georgia, the win represented a timely rebound following the previous week’s narrow loss to Alabama. The Bulldogs executed with precision, focus, and balance, demonstrating that they remain a legitimate SEC contender. The offense found its rhythm early, and the defense delivered one of its most complete showings of the season.
The combination of Stockton’s steady leadership, Bell’s versatility, and a dominant front seven provided the formula Georgia needed to reassert itself among the conference’s elite. The Bulldogs’ renewed physicality and discipline reflected head coach Kirby Smart’s emphasis on identity and toughness — qualities that have long defined Georgia football.
Looking Ahead
Georgia will travel to Auburn next weekend to renew the Deep South’s oldest rivalry. The Bulldogs have won eight straight against the Tigers, including three consecutive victories at Jordan-Hare Stadium. A win would further solidify Georgia’s position in the SEC East race.
Kentucky heads into a bye week before hosting No. 9 Texas on October 18 in Lexington. The Wildcats will use the break to regroup and address issues in red-zone execution and clock management.
Saturday’s performance served as a reminder of Georgia’s resilience. Behind Gunner Stockton’s dual-threat brilliance, Dillon Bell’s versatility, and a relentless defense, the Bulldogs reestablished their rhythm and sent a clear message — Georgia remains very much in the championship conversation.








