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Tennessee puts up a fight but loses to No. 3 Georgia, 43-14

The Vols get off to fast start against the Bulldogs, but Georgia prevails 43-14.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Vols put up a fight in the first half but Georgia's talent advantage showed in the end as the Bulldogs took down Tennessee 43-14, taking the lead in the all-time series for the first time since 1992.

Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt made the decision to start true freshman Brian Maurer at quarterback against Georgia, and in the first half, it proved to pay off.

"Well he stood in there and he made some throws down the field in the first half, he went through his progressions and he made some nice throws," Pruitt said after the game.

RELATED| WATCH: Vols freshman Brian Maurer throws first career TD pass on 73-yard bomb

Maurer threw two touchdown passes in the first two quarters that gave the Vols a 14-10 lead over the Bulldogs, but his hot start fizzled out in the second half.

He only passed for 54 total yards in the third and fourth quarter. Add two turnovers, an interception and a fumble, and it's clear the freshman still has work to do.

The Tennessee defense was able to hold Georgia to field goals a couple times early in the game but was unable to contain a potent offense led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country. A combination of missed tackles and a short field to defend was too much to overcome.

Georgia's offense was efficient and effective for the entire game.

Jake Fromm finished going 24-29 in the air for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldog offense finished the game with 526 total yards, 288 yards passing and 238 rushing.

"He keeps a clock in his head in my opinion and it's boom, boom, boom and he makes a play," Pruitt said about the Georgia quarterback.

Next up for the Vols is another game in Neyland, this time against SEC West opponent Mississippi State (3-2, 1-1 in SEC play) at noon on Oct. 12. Tennessee is 28-16-1 all-time against the Bulldogs, but lost its last meeting in 2012, a 41-31 defeat in Starkville.

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