No. 1 Georgia romps 45-3 over Ball State behind Mews’ punt return TD, 3 interceptions
Georgia's Mekhi Mews (87) runs past Ball State's Dalton Elrod (55) as he returns a punt for a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Bazemore]
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — No. 1 Georgia intercepted three passes and walk-on Mekhi Mews sparked the offense with a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown, leading the Bulldogs to a 45-3 victory over Ball State. The two-time reigning national champions were held scoreless in the opening quarter. But Georgia finally got rolling with a 31-point outburst in the second period, improving to 2-0 on the season. The overmatched Cardinals dropped their second in a row to an SEC team. New Georgia quarterback Carson Beck finished 23 of 30 for 283 yards, with two TDs and one interception.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Georgia's Mekhi Mews (87) returns a Ball State punt for touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/John Bazemore