Ealey, Georgia run past Tennessee Tech 38-0

ATHENS, Ga. (AP)—Washaun Ealey ran for two touchdowns as Georgia focused on its running game to beat Tennessee Tech 38-0 on Saturday for its first shutout in three years.

The game provided boosts for Georgia’s running offense and scoring defense. Each ranked last in the Southeastern Conference.

Georgia (5-4) posted its first shutout since a 34-0 win over Alabama-Birmingham, coached by current Tennessee Tech coach Watson Brown in 2006.

Ealey had touchdown runs of 7 and 44 yards and led the Bulldogs with 89 yards rushing on seven carries. Georgia, which led 31-0 at halftime, had a season-high 304 yards rushing.

Tennessee Tech (5-4), a FCS team, suffered its second lopsided loss of the year to a FBS team, following a 49-7 loss at Kansas State.

The Bulldogs held the Golden Eagles to 55 total yards.

Caleb King had 12 carries for 71 yards in his first start and Branden Smith added three carries for 72 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run on a direct snap.

Joe Cox completed his first 10 passes and finished 10-for-13 passing for 140 yards with two touchdowns. Cox threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Orson Charles in the first quarter and added a 6-yard touchdown pass to Michael Moore in the third quarter.

Georgia couldn’t escape problems with penalties and turnovers which have dogged its season.

Backup quarterback Logan Gray, given a series late in the first half, threw into double coverage in the end zone for Israel Troupe. Tennessee Tech free safety Mary Jones intercepted the pass for the only turnover of the game.

Gray came back into the game in the fourth quarter and finished 4-for-5 passing for 25 yards.

Georgia began the day with a minus-15 turnover margin to rank 119th of 120 FBS teams.

Georgia had 11 penalties for 86 yards, many for false starts, to add to its SEC-leading totals.