ATHENS, Georgia — — Carson Beck didn’t panic when No. 5 Georgia found resistance from heavy underdog Mississippi State in the second half.

Beck passed for a career-high 459 yards and three touchdowns and Georgia withstood Mississippi State’s second-half comeback attempt to secure a 41-31 victory on Saturday.

“He’s experienced,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said of Beck, a senior. “The game is getting a little tight there and he’s cool, not panicking.”

Georgia (5-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) played at times like it was looking forward to next week’s visit to No. 1 Texas, but had enough offense for its 28th straight home win.

Georgia led 34-10 early in the second half before freshman quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., in his second start, led the State Bulldogs (1-5, 0-3) to two straight touchdowns. Van Buren’s strong performance helped Mississippi State close the game on a 21-7 run. It wasn’t enough to prevent the team’s fifth straight defeat.

“Our guys responded,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby said. “…I hate that we’re sitting here disappointed, frustrated that we’re not on the right side, but our guys continue to fight like crazy for each other and I’m proud of them.”

Beck threw two interceptions, including one on Georgia’s second play of the game to set up a field goal for Mississippi State.

“It is what it is,” Beck said. “Let’s go. It doesn’t matter, just keep playing, keep going. And then you start to find a rhythm.”

With Georgia leading 34-24, Beck led a 16-play touchdown drive to clinch the game. On fourth down at the MSU 1, Trevor Etienne was pushed over the goal line by Georgia’s offensive line.

Van Buren completed 20 of 37 passes for 306 yards and three touchdowns, including catching 24 or more passes 35 yards to Kelly Akharaiyi and an interception. The 35-yarder cut Georgia’s lead again to 10 points with 1:47 left.

Beck completed 36 passes on 48 attempts, setting the Georgia record.

Beck finished the first half strongly. Be 31-yard touchdown pass to Dillon Bell, whose left toe-tap in the back of the end zone counted the catch, and a 1-yard scoring pass to tight end Lawson Luckie gave Georgia a 27-10 halftime lead.

Beck opened the second half with a 42-yard pass to Arian Smith.

Impact on the survey

According to , Georgia had a 33 1/2-point advantage and could be in danger of falling from fifth place in this week’s AP Top 25.

The takeaway food

Mississippi State: The SEC’s last-ranked scoring defense was overwhelmed by Beck and Georgia’s passing game. State entered the game averaging 31.6 points per game – Georgia surpassed that mark with three plays to start the second half. State gave up 605 yards, a season high for Georgia.

Georgia: RB Branson Robinson ran for 12 yards and a touchdown before exiting early in the second quarter with a right knee injury. Smart said he did not know the severity of the injury. RB Roderick Robinson hasn’t played this season following toe surgery, and the loss of Branson Robinson makes the depth at the position behind Etienne concerning.

Next

Mississippi State: Returns home to play No. 15 Texas A&M on Saturday.

Georgia: Plays No. 1 Texas on Saturday and could be a top-five showdown.

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