University of Georgia Athletics
By The Numbers - Georgia vs. Tennessee State
August 21, 2026 | Football
Georgia Bulldogs First-Ever Meeting Tennessee State Tigers
2026 Season Opener Statistical Preview: Georgia Bulldogs versus Tennessee State Tigers, based on 2025 season statistics
By the Numbers
A snapshot of each program's 2025 statistical season heading into the opener.
The Stat Battle
2025 season totals, head to head. Georgia (red) on the left, Tennessee State (navy) on the right — longer bar means more.
Total Points Scored (2025 Season)
Total Offensive Yards (Season)
Rushing Yards (Season)
Passing Yards (Season)
Receiving Yards (Season)
Total Defense — Yards Allowed / GameLower is better · shorter bar wins
Time of Possession / Game (minutes)
3rd-Down Conversion Rate
Key Returning Players
Statistical leaders from the 2025 season for each program.
Georgia
24 TD · 150.6 rtg
5.5 avg · 6 TD
10.0 avg · 6 TD
8 TFL · 3.5 sacks
Tennessee State
9 TD · 123.6 rtg
3.9 avg · 3 TD
10.0 avg · 3 TD
17.5 TFL · 6.0 sacks
The Bottom Line
Georgia's Case
Coming off an SEC Championship and a CFP berth, Georgia finished 2025 ranked among the SEC's most balanced teams — top-15 nationally in total offense and scoring defense, with a veteran line and a Heisman-caliber quarterback in Gunner Stockton returning behind a backfield that produced six different 100-yard rushers.
Tennessee State's Path
TSU is rebuilding after a 2-10 season, but the Tigers forced 26 sacks and return a physical front seven led by James Stewart, one of the most productive tacklers in the Big South–OVC. The offense will lean on a dual-threat backfield to shorten the game and control the clock.
Score Prediction
A statistical projection for the season opener, based on 2025 season trends — not a guarantee.
Expect Georgia's depth to take over early. The Bulldogs' offensive line and a backfield rotation behind Nate Frazier should be able to control the line of scrimmage against an FCS front, while Gunner Stockton and a deep receiving corps led by Zachariah Branch pick apart a Tennessee State secondary that allowed nearly 170 yards per game through the air in 2025. Tennessee State's front seven — anchored by James Stewart, who racked up 17.5 tackles for loss last season — should be able to manufacture a couple of negative plays and keep this from turning into a total rout early, but the Tigers' offense converted under 30% of third downs a year ago and will likely struggle to sustain drives against a much deeper Georgia defense. Look for the Bulldogs to build a comfortable lead by halftime and lean on the run in the second half as reserves see extended action.
Projection generated from 2025 season statistical trends for illustrative purposes only. Actual results may vary.
