Washaun Ealey ran for five touchdowns and Georgia won its third consecutive game, a 44-31 victory over Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3 SEC), who arguably played their best game of the year, forced four turnovers. Ealey’s third touchdown gave Georgia a 28-3 lead midway through the second quarter, and although Kentucky tacked on some points late to make it respectable, the Wildcats (4-4, 1-4) never threatened.

Ealey, who received the bulk of the running duties in place of the suspended Caleb King, took full advantage. The sophomore finished with 157 yards rushing on a career-high 28 carries. Georgia also received a boost from Brandon Boykin, who returned a kickoff 100 yards to give the Bulldogs a 14-3 lead in the first quarter. Georgia has scored more than 40 points in three straight games.

The Bulldogs thrust themselves back in the hunt for the SEC East division, one game behind South Carolina, which beat Georgia in the second week of the season. Georgia faces rival Florida next week at Jacksonville, Fla.

Kentucky actually outgained the Bulldogs 421-289, but Georgia scored 14 points off turnovers and had Boykin’s kick return.

Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline was 27 of 43 for a career-high 353 yards, with four touchdowns and one interception.