The No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-3 last season) start their season with a tune-up game against the Tennessee State Tigers, a team from the Ohio Valley Conference of the Football Championship Subdivision. FCS opponents rarely win against FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) opponents, so a lot of fans are expecting a good victory to start the season.
That doesn't mean there aren't some key things to watch for. Georgia needs to establish a clear WR1 for the team, so this could go a long way toward establishing one. It will also showcase guard Zykie Helton, who's expected to start his first game as a true freshman.
It will also be a way for Georgia to show off their new toys on defense. Ja'Marley Riddle from East Carolina and Khalil Barnes from Clemson should get a ton of snaps, and Elijah Griffin will be a name to watch with Xzavier McLeod departing the team.
Georgia is favored by about 55.5 to win against Tennessee State. They've historically done poorly at covering the spread, but Bulldogs fans are still looking for a solid start to Week 1. The game will start at Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. on the SEC Network.
Tigers on the Board: TNST 3, UGA 35, 2:08 2nd Quarter
The Tiger offense, who hadn't picked up a first down, went on a 14-play, 55-yard drive, with Tennessee State kicker Preston Hurless knocking it down from 37 yards out.
First Field Goal Try Botched: TNST 0, UGA 35, 7:30 2nd Quarter
On a fourth down, kicker Peyton Woodring set up for a 45-yard field goal try, but the holder miffed the hold, and they tried to convert it, but to no avail.
Jaden Redell joins the party: TSNT 0, UGA 35, 10:39 2nd Quarter
Gunner Stockton throws his third touchdown pass of the day, another to a tight end. This time, Jaden Reddell finds the end zone, making it 35-0 Georgia.
Also, Tennessee State had 0 yards in the first quarter. They have 21 passing yards and -21 rushing yards.
TE ➡️ TD @JadenReddellpic.twitter.com/rYfAiNthvr
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Georgia's First Sack of the Season: TSNT 0, UGA 28, 0:28 1st Quarter
The Georgia Bulldogs get their first sack of the season, with PJ Dean making the first sack of his career to end the first quarter. Georgia will get the ball back in the next quarter.
💰💰💰 @deanpj56pic.twitter.com/PVnOaBGdBy
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Talyn Taylor Touchdown: TSNT 0, UGA 28, 2:08 1st Quarter
Talyn Taylor shows off his world-class talent, taking a dump-off from 11 yards out into the end zone. Georgia is on pace to score 112 points in this game.
TALYN TAYLOR 🙌 pic.twitter.com/bCZctbi0Kx
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Elyiss Williams dives in: TNST 0, UGA 21, 6:30, 1st Quarter
Gunner Stockton fires his first touchdown pass of the season to Elyiss Williams, who flips his way into the end zone, although he nearly loses the football. Stockton is five of six with 74 yards and a touchdown in the early going.
UP & OVER FOR SIX @Elyiss2025pic.twitter.com/YqUmh6n9oz
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Frazier scores again: TNST 0, UGA 14, 10:08, 1st Quarter
Nate Frazker finds a big hole between the left guard and tackle and takes his second run to the house. He now has 62 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.
✌️ @NateUA1_ walks it in for his second TD pic.twitter.com/KWZLXEpQqx
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Frazier to the house: TNST 0, UGA 7, 13:36, 1st Quarter
Nate Frazier, who is playing with a heavy heart, took the third play from the line of scrimmage 48 yards to the house. Just like that, Georgia is already up 7-0.
TOUCHDOWN @NateUA1_ 🔥#GoDawgspic.twitter.com/tU3XDpfP2S
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) September 5, 2026
Kickoff: TNST 0, UGA 0, 14:56, 1st Quarter
Georgia receives the first kickoff, with Sacovie White-Helton returning it to the UGA 40. Great starting position for the Bulldogs.
Stream Georgia vs. Tennessee State free
What channel is Georgia vs. Tennessee State on today?
- TV Channel: SEC Network+
- Livestream: Fubo (free trial), ESPN+
Georgia versus Tennessee State will broadcast nationally on SEC Network+ in Week 1 of the 2026 college football season. Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman and Laura Stickells will call the game from Sanford Stadium. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribersand ESPN+.
Georgia vs. Tennessee State time today

- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Start time: 3 p.m. ET
The Georgia versus Tennessee State game starts at 3 p.m. ET from Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
Watch Georgia vs. Tennessee State free
Georgia vs Tennessee State predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of Sept. 4
- GEORGIA 48, TENNESSEE STATE 6: Georgia has done a great job of limiting opposing offenses in Week 1 throughout the Kirby Smart era. We see that continuing, but Georgia does not typically cover big point spreads against inferior opponents.
- Spread: Georgia by 47 1/2
- Over/under: 54 1/2
- Moneyline: Georgia moneyline is not available; Tennessee State plus-7000
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: No. 3 Georgia ahead 35-3 vs. Tennessee State, live coverage, highlights
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Source: Yahoo Sports







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