Georgia Bulldogs Dominate Charlotte 35-3 on Senior Day

The fourth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs secured a decisive 35-3 victory over the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. This game marked Senior Day, but it was freshman running back Bo Walker who stole the spotlight, scoring the first three touchdowns of his collegiate career.

In their inaugural meeting with the 49ers, who have fielded a football program for the past 13 years, Georgia (10-1) established dominance early on. The Bulldogs took control of the game with Nate Frazier rushing touchdowns, scoring twice in the first quarter. By halftime, after two additional touchdown runs from Walker in the second quarter, Georgia had built a commanding 28-3 lead. The Bulldogs outperformed Charlotte significantly, amassing 449 total yards compared to the 49ers’ 169, with Georgia recording 30 first downs against just seven for Charlotte.

This victory not only marked Georgia’s tenth win of the season but also highlighted the team’s consistent success under head coach Kirby Smart. It is the eighth time in his ten seasons at the helm that Georgia has achieved double-digit victories. The senior class improved their record to 49-5 overall and 25-1 on Dooley Field.

Looking ahead, this was the Bulldogs’ final home game of the regular season. They are in contention to host a College Football Playoff game next month, with the playoff field and bracket set to be announced on December 7.

Quarterback Gunner Stockton, a redshirt junior, played just over a half, completing 17 of 21 passes for 196 yards. Backup quarterback Ryan Puglisi took over midway through the third quarter, finishing with 49 yards on 7 of 11 passing.

Georgia’s first touchdown came on their second possession of the game. The Bulldogs drove 60 yards in nine plays, culminating in a 2-yard touchdown run by Frazier. A pivotal 29-yard completion from Stockton to tight end Lawson Luckie set up the score.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter. After Stockton converted a fourth-and-1 at the 49er 34-yard line, Frazier found the end zone again, rushing from 7 yards out.

In the second quarter, Georgia began substituting players early, allowing Walker to showcase his talent. After entering the game with only 13 carries this season, Walker scored his first career touchdown with an impressive 15-yard run, pushing the lead to 21-0 with 11:29 left in the half.

Charlotte (1-10) managed its first first down of the game on the following drive, but it was short-lived. Three plays later, Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV intercepted a pass from Grayson Loftis at the Bulldogs’ 38-yard line, marking his team-high third interception of the season.

Georgia continued to dominate, with Walker scoring again on a 12-yard run, bringing the score to 28-0 with 3:27 remaining in the half. Charlotte finally struck back with a late interception of Stockton’s pass, leading to a 42-yard field goal by Liam Boyd just as the first half concluded, making the score 28-3.

At halftime, Georgia had a distinct advantage, outgaining Charlotte 251-38 in total offense and recording 17 first downs to the 49ers’ two.

As the second half commenced, Georgia’s offense continued its momentum. Stockton connected with wide receiver Noah Thomas for a 38-yard gain, setting up Walker’s third touchdown—a 3-yard run that pushed the score to 35-3. Walker concluded the game with 47 rushing yards on 9 carries, as well as two receptions.

In the fourth quarter, Charlotte threatened to score inside the Bulldogs’ 20-yard line, but freshman safety Daniel Okonkwo intercepted a pass in the end zone, halting their advance and allowing Georgia to run out the clock.

The Bulldogs will conclude their regular season next Friday against No. 16 Georgia Tech at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Georgia has won their last seven matchups against the Yellow Jackets, including a thrilling eight-overtime victory last season on Dooley Field.