When Ellis Robinson IV leapt in front of Grayson Loftis’ slant route with 8:43 left in the second quarter, the crowd at Sanford Stadium didn’t just cheer—they erupted. It wasn’t just another interception. It was Robinson IV’s third of the season, and it sealed Charlotte’s fate in a 35-3 drubbing that felt less like a game and more like a statement. The University of Georgia Bulldogs didn’t just win—they suffocated. Before 93,033 fans, Georgia’s defense turned Charlotte 49ers’ offense into a ghost town, forcing three straight three-and-outs to start the game and holding them to just one first down through the first 21 minutes. This wasn’t luck. It was execution.
Defensive Domination Begins Early
It started with pressure. Chris Cole, a sophomore defensive end, and freshman Elijah Griffin combined for two sacks on Grayson Loftis, rattling the Charlotte QB early. Loftis, who entered the game with a 1-10 record as a starter, completed just 14 of 27 passes for 130 yards—and two picks. Georgia’s secondary, led by Ellis Robinson IV and freshman Daniel Okonkwo, looked like a veteran unit. Okonkwo’s first-career interception came on a poorly thrown out-route, and Robinson IV’s pick—on third-and-12, no less—was textbook coverage. He read the quarterback’s eyes, broke on the ball, and came down with it at the Georgia 38-yard line. The crowd roared. The scoreboard didn’t even need to change. The damage was done.
Offense Finds Its Rhythm—Then Falters
While the defense stole headlines, Gunner Stockton gave Georgia its spark. In just over two quarters, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Bo Walker twice and Nate Frazier on two short-yardage scores. Frazier’s 2-yard plunge and 7-yard burst early in the first half put Georgia up 14-0 before Charlotte even got comfortable. Walker’s two touchdowns—the second coming right after Robinson IV’s interception—made it 28-0. But here’s the twist: Stockton didn’t play clean football. After a strong first half, he held the ball too long in the second half, taking a 7-yard sack that led to his own interception. Kirby Smart, Georgia’s 49-year-old head coach, didn’t hold back in his halftime interview on SEC Network: "Gotta make better decisions. He held the ball too long. It wasn’t that play, it was the play before when he took the sack—you never take the sack in a two-minute situation."
Special Teams and Depth Shine
Charlotte’s lone points came on a 42-yard field goal by Liam Boyd—a moment that felt more like a footnote than a milestone. Georgia’s defense didn’t just stop drives; it killed momentum. Linebackers Raylen Wilson and Justin Williams combined for 10 tackles, disrupting running lanes and forcing Charlotte into predictable passing situations. Meanwhile, Georgia’s bench got its due. With a 35-3 lead after the third-quarter opening drive, Smart pulled Stockton and let the reserves play. Senior Day substitutions rolled through the lineup, giving players like defensive tackle Darius Washington and backup QB Jake Lattimer valuable reps. "We’re not here to just win," said cornerback Daylen Everette. "We say when we go on the field we try to get a three-and-out. We tried to do that as much as we could." And they did. Seven times in the first half.
What This Means for Georgia’s Season
At 10-1 overall and 7-1 in the SEC, Georgia’s path to the College Football Playoff remains intact. But this game wasn’t about the record. It was about preparation. The Bulldogs now turn their focus to the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry against Georgia Tech, a game that always carries more weight than the win-loss column suggests. Smart knows it. "We beat a team that’s probably overmatched," he said postgame. "That doesn’t mean we played perfect. We’ve got to clean up the little things—ball security, decision-making, discipline—before we face Tech."
Robinson IV, the freshman from Georgia’s own Marietta, now has three interceptions in just 11 games. He’s not just a rising star—he’s proof of the system. Under defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, Georgia’s secondary has become the most reliable unit on the field. But Smart’s message is clear: don’t get comfortable. The next challenge isn’t a 1-10 team. It’s a hungry Georgia Tech squad that’s won two of its last three against the Bulldogs.
Behind the Numbers
- Georgia held Charlotte to 197 total yards—just 67 on the ground.
- The Bulldogs forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles) in the game.
- Robinson IV’s third interception tied him for the SEC lead among freshmen.
- Georgia’s defense has allowed 10 or fewer points in six of its last seven games.
- Sanford Stadium’s 93,033 attendance marked the 12th consecutive sellout this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Ellis Robinson IV’s third interception this season?
Robinson IV’s third interception ties him for the most by any freshman cornerback in the SEC this season and places him among the top 10 nationally in interceptions among underclassmen. His ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball has turned Georgia’s secondary from a question mark into a strength. He’s not just a playmaker—he’s a signal that Georgia’s recruiting and development pipeline for defensive backs is working.
Why did Kirby Smart pull Gunner Stockton so early in the third quarter?
With Georgia leading 35-3 and the game out of reach, Smart used the opportunity to rest his starters and give backups meaningful reps before the Georgia Tech rivalry game. Stockton’s second-half turnovers—especially the sack that led to his interception—were a red flag. Pulling him wasn’t a punishment; it was a strategic move to protect his health and give the offense a chance to reset before the toughest stretch of the season.
What does this win say about Georgia’s defense heading into the rivalry game?
It says they’re ready. Georgia’s defense has allowed fewer than 17 points in nine of 11 games this season. Against Charlotte, they held a team with nothing to lose to a single field goal and forced three consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. That kind of discipline and aggression is exactly what’s needed against Georgia Tech’s option-heavy offense. The secondary’s confidence, led by Robinson IV and Okonkwo, could be the difference-maker.
How does this performance compare to Georgia’s past blowouts?
Georgia’s 32-point margin of victory is its largest since a 45-10 win over South Carolina in 2022. But unlike past dominant wins against lower-tier opponents, this one came with a clearer defensive identity. The Bulldogs didn’t just outscore Charlotte—they outclassed them in every phase. The fact that they held a team to 197 total yards and zero touchdowns on the road in the SEC is a sign of elite-level preparation, not just talent.
What’s next for Charlotte after this loss?
Charlotte finishes the season 1-11, with their lone win coming against FCS-level North Carolina. The 49ers’ offense, which ranked near the bottom of FBS in scoring, will need major overhauls in the offseason. Quarterback Grayson Loftis, a transfer from Appalachian State, will likely be replaced. Defensive coordinator Steve Stripling now faces pressure to improve a unit that allowed 35+ points in eight of 11 games. This loss underscores the gap between Group of Five programs and SEC powerhouses.
Why is the "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" game so important for Georgia?
The rivalry with Georgia Tech dates back to 1893 and is one of the oldest in college football. Georgia has won the last six matchups, but Tech always plays with extra motivation. The Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense can disrupt even the best defenses, and last year’s 21-17 win by Tech was a wake-up call. For Georgia, this isn’t just about playoff positioning—it’s about pride, tradition, and proving they can dominate even when the scoreboard doesn’t reflect their superiority.