# Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee State football matchup

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-bulldogs-and-tennessee-state-football-matchup
> Updated: 2026-09-03T18:20:56.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart expressed readiness for the upcoming season ahead of a scheduled matchup against Tennessee State. Smart noted that after a rigorous training camp, the team is eager to transition from practice settings to live game situations to evaluate how players, especially younger ones, handle pressure.

Smart highlighted that the games against Tennessee State and Western Kentucky would allow for player rotation, specifically noting an ongoing competition for the backup quarterback position between Ryan Puglisi and Ryan Montgomery.

The matchup is set to take place at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. Tennessee State enters the contest following a 2-10 season, while Georgia follows a 12-2 season that included an SEC Championship victory.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Tennessee State to face Georgia Bulldogs in college football matchup

The Tennessee State Tigers face the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium following Georgia's strong 12-2 season and Tennessee State's challenging 2025 campaign.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tennessee-state-to-face-georgia-bulldogs-in-college-football-matchup

### 2026-08-31: Georgia football coach Kirby Smart previews Tennessee State matchup

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart says the Bulldogs are ready for their season opener against Tennessee State, focusing on player development and the ongoing quarterback competition.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-football-coach-kirby-smart-previews-tennessee-state-matchup

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Cite as: Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee State football matchup. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-bulldogs-and-tennessee-state-football-matchup