ATHENS, GA. — The fourth-ranked Georgia football team secured a decisive 35-3 victory over Charlotte on Saturday at Sanford Stadium. During Senior Day festivities, freshman running back Bo Walker delivered a standout performance, scoring the first three touchdowns of his collegiate career.
In their first-ever matchup, the Bulldogs and 49ers—who established their program 13 years ago—took control early, with Georgia tallying two rushing touchdowns by Nate Frazier in the first quarter. By halftime, after Walker added two rushing scores in the second quarter, the score was 28-3. Georgia outperformed Charlotte significantly, surpassing them in total yards (449 to 169) and earning 30 first downs compared to the 49ers’ seven.
This victory marked Georgia’s 10th win of the season, marking the eighth time in head coach Kirby Smart’s tenure that the team has achieved double-digit victories. The senior class’s overall record improves to 49-5, including a dominant 25-1 record on Dooley Field.
“I want to thank the fans. I was a little surprised to see the turnout we did have and I thought with the weather this morning we didn’t know what we would get but I thought they did a good job getting here,” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart said. “The sun came out, it was warm, and it was awesome for those seniors. It was a good honor to them. They are one of the winningest groups ever to come through here and definitely one of the best records ever in Sanford Stadium. I am honored to have coached that group of men.”
Saturday’s game also served as the Bulldogs’ final home contest of the regular season. Looking ahead, Georgia remains in contention to host a College Football Playoff game next month. The playoff field and bracket will be announced on December 7.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton, a redshirt junior recognized alongside the seniors before kickoff, played for just over half the game, completing 17 of 21 passes for 196 yards. Backup Ryan Puglisi entered midway through the third quarter, going 7 of 11 for 49 yards.
Georgia scored first on its second possession, driving 60 yards in nine plays and culminating in a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Frazier. The drive was set up by a 29-yard pass from Stockton to tight end Lawson Luckie. The Bulldogs continued their momentum, with a 17-yard completion to Zachariah Branch and a fourth-and-1 conversion at the Charlotte 34, where Stockton dove to gain the first down. Frazier’s second touchdown—rushing from the 7—made the score 14-0 with 52 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Walker, who had entered the game with only 13 carries all season, extended Georgia’s lead to 21-0 with an 15-yard touchdown run. His second score came shortly after, pushing the margin further.
Charlotte (1-10) managed its first first down on the ensuing drive, but it was short-lived. Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV intercepted a pass from Charlotte’s Grayson Loftis at the Bulldog 38—his team-high third interception of the season. Georgia capitalized, with Stockton connecting with Branch for a 19-yard gain, and Walker finishing the drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown to make it 28-0 with 3:27 remaining in the half.
Charlotte responded with a late first-half interception of Stockton, returned 18 yards by safety Ja’Quirious Conley to the Georgia 37. Liam Boyd kicked a 42-yard field goal as time expired, reducing the deficit to 28-3 at halftime. At this point, Georgia led in total offense (251 to 38) and had 17 first downs to Charlotte’s two.
The Bulldogs continued strong after halftime, with Stockton connecting with Noah Thomas for a 38-yard gain. Walker then scored again, a 3-yard run, to cap the scoring at 35-3. Walker finished with nine carries for 47 yards and recorded the first two receptions of his career.
In the fourth quarter, after Charlotte threatened inside Georgia’s 20-yard line, freshman safety Daniel Okonkwo intercepted a pass in the end zone, the first of his collegiate career, stopping the 49ers’ advance. Georgia subsequently run out the clock to secure the victory.
Georgia concludes its regular season next Saturday against No. 16 Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Bulldogs have won seven consecutive games against the Yellow Jackets, including last season’s eight-overtime victory on Dooley Field.
Photos/GeorgiaBulldogsAthletics
