Georgia Bulldogs Lead Austin Peay 14–3 at Halftime in Weather-Delayed Game, but Injuries Cloud Win
Athens, GA September 6, 2025: The Georgia Bulldogs football team overcame lightning delays and a determined Austin Peay Governors defense to take a 14–3 halftime lead at Sanford Stadium. While Georgia’s offense and defense showed flashes of dominance, the day was overshadowed by two concerning injury setbacks that could impact the Bulldogs ahead of their SEC opener.
Weather Forces Schedule Changes
The matchup was originally set for 3:30 PM ET, but officials moved the kickoff up an hour to 2:30 PM ET to dodge incoming storms. Despite the adjustment, play was halted at halftime after lightning was detected within eight miles of the stadium. Under NCAA rules, a minimum 30-minute pause is required following each strike, leaving fans waiting through a weather delay at the break.
Georgia’s First-Half Report Card
On offense, Georgia controlled the game statistically:
229 total yards on 41 snaps, split between 139 passing and 90 rushing.
Chauncey Bowens, a redshirt freshman, scored his first career touchdown on a 2-yard run to finish off an 80-yard drive.
Nate Frazier added a second rushing touchdown from 2 yards out in the second quarter.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton looked composed, completing 17 of 21 passes for 139 yards, plus 10 rushing yards.
Dwight Phillips Jr. chipped in with 32 rushing yards, while Cash Jones led the receiving group with 32 yards.
But not everything clicked: Georgia was stuffed on four straight goal-line tries just before halftime, a missed opportunity that frustrated fans and drew questions about play-calling.
Defensively, the Bulldogs were sharp:
Austin Peay was limited to 80 yards total offense (11 rushing, 69 passing).
CJ Allen collected 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack.
Chris Cole added his first sack in a Georgia uniform.
Ellis Robinson IV recorded his first career interception.
Special teams also contributed, with Peyton Woodring handling PATs and kickoffs and Brett Thorson averaging nearly 40 yards per punt.
Austin Peay managed just a single score: a 44-yard field goal by Carson Smith, while their defense held firm during the Bulldogs’ failed goal-line series.
Injury Concerns Take Center Stage
Two key players went down in the first half:
Jah Jackson, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman making his first career start, injured his left ankle on Georgia’s second possession and limped off.
Ethan Barbour, a true freshman tight end expected to be a major contributor, suffered a serious ankle/leg injury on the final play of the half. He was carted off and left Sanford Stadium with his lower leg in a cast.
With Barbour out, Georgia will lean on veterans Oscar Delp, Lawson Luckie, and fellow freshman Jaden Reddell to fill the gap. Meanwhile, Jackson’s status will be closely watched as Georgia prepares for its next challenge.
What’s to do now for Georgia
The Bulldogs’ focus quickly shifts to their SEC opener against the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville on September 13. Health will be critical, as the offensive line is already thin and the tight end room now faces added pressure. Whether Georgia can keep quarterback Gunner Stockton upright and maintain its rhythm without key starters will be a major storyline next week.
Broadcast Info
The Georgia Austin Peay matchup streamed on ESPN+ and SEC Network+, with Clay Matvick and Chris Daniel on the call.
Key Highlights
Halftime Score: Georgia 14, Austin Peay 3.
Weather Delay: Lightning forced a pause after the second quarter.
Offensive Highlights: Bowens and Frazier scored rushing TDs; Stockton was accurate and efficient.
Defensive Standouts: Allen, Cole, and Robinson led a dominant showing.
Injury Watch: Jackson (ankle) and Barbour (leg) left the game, casting doubt for next week.
Next Up: SEC opener vs. Tennessee, September 13 in Knoxville.
