Georgia shuts down Tennessee

Bennett outplays Hooker in battle between touted quarterbacks. Vols’ defense steps up with six sacks, an interception and fumble recovery.

NO. 3 GEORGIA 27 NO. 1 TENNESSEE 13

ATHENS, Ga. — In the biggest games, Stetson Bennett seems to rise to the occasion and above his often more heralded counterparts.

Bennett threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score as No. 3 Georgia shut down Hendon Hooker and the No. 1 Vols’ high-powered offense to win a Southeastern Conference showdown 27-13 Saturday.

After leading the Bulldogs to a national title last season, Bennett improved to 23-3 as a starter at Georgia.

“Competitive excellence, competitive toughness,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart when asked about Bennett’s ability to shine on the grandest stages.

“He’s a winner. Let’s be honest. The guy knows how to win.”

Bennett passed for 257 yards, completing 17 of 25 passes. He had a 13-yard scoring run in the matchup against Hooker, regarded as a Heisman Trophy favorite. Maybe Bennett should be now?

Bennett insisted his only motivation was for the team’s hopes of returning to the SEC championship game, not for his personal validation “because at the end of the day we’re playing for the East and if we lost it’s a lower percentage we’re playing in Atlanta.”

Added Bennett: “I don’t really care about quarterback versus quarterback.”

Georgia (9-0, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) turned the matchup into a rout that made clear the defending national champions are still the team to beat.

“I kind of feel like it was a statement win,” said Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who had five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. In a deafening and soggy Sanford Stadium, Georgia led 27-6 before Tennessee scored its first touchdown with 4:15 remaining.

Hooker, whose Heisman hopes were bolstered by a win over Alabama last month, passed for only 195 yards for Tennessee (8-1, 4-1). Hooker was sacked six times by star defensive tackle Jalen Carter and the Bulldogs.

Hooker threw an interception, lost a fumble that nearly resulted in a safety for Georgia and didn’t throw a touchdown pass.

The Volunteers came in averaging almost 50 points per game.