Tennessee State vs Georgia Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026

The Tennessee State Tigers visit the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium, with the opening kickoff at 3:00 PM ET, televised on SECN+. Tennessee State is 0-1 after opening 2026 with a 26-24 loss to Jackson State and has lost five straight games dating to last season. No. 3 Georgia opens its season after finishing 12-2 in 2025, winning the SEC Championship before losing 39-34 to Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Georgia opened -44.5 and is now a 47.5-point favorite at -102, while Tennessee State is +47.5 at -118. The total has dropped from 56.5 to 55.5. Cash a winning ticket with our free NCAAF picks.

Tennessee State Tigers Face Difficult Road Assignment

Tennessee State nearly knocked off Jackson State in its opener, leading 17-10 at halftime before losing 26-24. The Tigers finished with 354 total yards and 22 first downs while converting 12 of 19 third downs. Quarterback Daylin Lee completed 23 of 41 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Tennessee State also avoided turnovers, helping the Tigers stay within one score throughout the second half.

The passing game was far more productive than the rushing attack. Tennessee State managed only 89 yards on 33 rushing attempts, with Lee leading the team at 40 yards and one touchdown. Jayden Guy was the standout receiver, catching nine passes for 148 yards, including a 45-yard gain. Defensively, Tennessee State allowed Jackson State to gain 402 yards and 180 on the ground. The Tigers recorded only one sack and two tackles for loss, numbers that need improvement against Georgia’s offensive front.

Georgia Bulldogs Return Championship-Level Experience

Georgia finished 12-2 last season and won four of its final five games, beating Texas 35-10, Charlotte 35-3, Georgia Tech 16-9 and Alabama 28-7 before the playoff loss to Ole Miss. Quarterback Gunner Stockton returns after completing nearly 70% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions. Stockton also rushed for 462 yards and ten scores, making him a major part of Georgia’s ground attack.

Running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens return after combining for 1,473 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Georgia’s defense could be even more imposing after allowing fewer than 300 yards and 18 points per game in 2025. The Bulldogs ranked fourth nationally against the run, while Ellis Robinson IV recorded four interceptions. Georgia needs more pressure after finishing last in the SEC with 20 sacks, and Auburn transfer Amaris Williams was added to strengthen that area.

Key to the Game: Gunner Stockton Against Tennessee State’s Defense

Stockton presents a major problem because Tennessee State must account for his passing and rushing ability. The Georgia quarterback accounted for 34 touchdowns last season, while Tennessee State allowed 402 total yards against Jackson State in its opener. The Tigers also generated only one sack, making pressure on Stockton a difficult assignment. Georgia can use Frazier and Bowens to establish the ground game before asking Stockton to attack through the air. If Tennessee State cannot create pressure, Georgia should have several ways to produce long scoring drives.

Tennessee State vs Georgia Game Pick

•  Georgia -47.5 (-102)

Georgia has the talent and experience to create immediate separation against a Tennessee State team that opened with a 26-24 loss to Jackson State. The Bulldogs return Gunner Stockton after he completed nearly 70% of his passes for 2,894 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Georgia also allowed fewer than 300 yards and 18 points per game. Tennessee State rushed for only 89 yards in its opener. With Georgia favored by 47.5 points at home, the pick is Georgia to cover Saturday in Athens comfortably.

Tennessee State vs Georgia Over/Under Pick

• Under 55.5 (-105)

Georgia’s defense makes the Under attractive despite the Bulldogs having enough scoring power to build a large lead. The Bulldogs allowed fewer than 300 yards and 18 points per game last season while ranking fourth nationally against the run. Tennessee State managed only 89 rushing yards against Jackson State and now faces a much stronger defensive front. Georgia also prefers a heavy rushing approach, reaching 40 attempts in each of nine victories last season. With the total at 55.5, the play is under Saturday in Athens.