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FINAL: Georgia Defeats Ball State 45-3

Georgia football earns their second victory on the season as they defeat Ball State by a final score of 45-3.

The Georgia football program has officially earned their second victory on the season as they defeated Ball State by a final score of 45-3. It is the program's 19th straight victory, which dates all the way back to their semifinal win against Michigan in the college football playoff.  

After a scoreless first quarter, Georgia's offense was able to find its rhythm thanks to three turnovers that were forced by the defense. The Bulldogs then went on to score 31 points in the second quarter alone while also keeping Ball State out of the end zone for the entire first half of the football game. 

Carson Beck got his second start of his career and looked the part of an SEC quarterback. Outside of one interception that was caused by a tipped ball on a deep throw, Beck distributed the football efficiently and helped lead Georgia's offense to a strong showing on the day. Beck finished the game with 283 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 77 percent completion rate. 

Georgia then turned the offense over to back up quarterback Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton for the remainder of the football game in the fourth quarter. 

Some major players from the offense today were wide receiver Dillon Bell, who actually took reps at the running back spot and earned himself a 21-yard rushing touchdown. Mekhi Mews also had a big day as he returned a punt for a touchdown in the first half of the football game to help Georgia earn their first points of the ball game. 

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) celebrates with Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) after making an interception during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Ball State in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) celebrates with Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson (10) after making an interception during the first half of a NCAA college football game against Ball State in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

As per usual, Georgia's defense took care of business and shut down Ball State's offense from the jump. Malaki Starks forced an interception, Chaz Chambliss intercepted a ball after being kicked up in the air by a Ball State wide receiver, and Tykee Smith came up with an interception of his own as well. Georgia was not able to pitch their first shutout of the season as Ball State kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter, but it doesn't take away from their overall performance. 

All in all, today's game against Ball State appeared to be a step forward from last week's game against UT Martin, and Georgia's offense was able to get a stride going in the middle of the game to earn yet another dominant victory. They now move on to their week three matchup against South Carolina, which will begin their in-conference play for the 2023 season. 

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