The game was closer than the score reflects. Georgia was in the game until the last twelve minutes of the fourth quarter and then the dog lost its bite. I guess a team can’t be lucky forever; we were probably due a loss because of inconsistent play. I’d hope the team learned their lessons from near losses to Alabama-Birmingham and Colorado, but I guess we didn’t learn that some holes are too deep to climb up from.
A Georgia fan couldn’t have asked for a better first half. A unified team came out the tunnel with locked arms, the student section forwent the customary red and donned all black, Wubya and I chanted G-E-O-R-G-I-A with excitement, sharing a common goal with 95,000 other fans – beat Tennessee. You could feel the anticipation as the Sanford Stadium was ready to explode before kickoff. UGA played the best they’ve played all season during the first half. Returning quarterback Joe Tereshinski showed pose and precision leading the offense. I could tell he was playing with a chip on his solder, daring anyone to say, “You’re not good enough to lead the Bulldogs”. At this point, no one would’ve even thought it. The wide receivers played up to their potential, running back Kregg Lumpkin and fullback Brannon Sutherland ran with purpose and the G-Day defense looked stingy as ever. Could UGA route UT?
No. A Georgia fan couldn’t have asked for a worst second half. Every dog has its day and I guess UGA is no exception. Joe T turned the ball over three times. Some his fault others not. Unfortunately, the quarterback bears the responsibility. Some how, some way Tennessee blocked a punt and recovered for the touchdown. The G-Day defense lost its bite and the Vols moved with ease and took advantage of short fields and scored several times. The Dawgs abandoned the run game since they were behind, and to put a nail in our coffin, freshman Matthew Stafford through an untimely interception, thus killing any remaining UGA momentum. The end result – Tennessee puts 51 points on the score board and routes UGA.
Joe T finished 12 of 20 for 164 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and 1 fumble. Coach Richt sole purpose for starting Joe T was his knowledge of the playbook and his ability to protect the ball. He may of succeed on the first, but he definitely failed on the second. Stafford played one series in garbage time, finishing 2 of 5 for 11 yards and 1 interception. Stafford is future because he has the star appeal and the arm, but he lacks the experience and decision making. I know he’ll have bumps and bruises, but it’s time to turn the team over to him so he’ll be ready for next season.
Kregg Lumpkin carried the ball 13 times for 78 yards and Thomas Brown rushed 8 times for 57 yards. As of the last two games, Lumpkin has earned the right to be the featured back, but where’s [Danny] Ware? Fullback Brannon Sutherland contributed by rushing for 17 yards and 1 touchdown, caught 3 passes for 38 yards and 1 touchdown, and delivered some nasty blocks. He’s definitely turning into the multi-purpose back UGA has lacked in the past. I like the fact that he protects the ball around the goal line, has good hands, and he’s not afraid to take a hit to get into the end zone.
The Georgia wide receivers played their best game of the season. Mohammad Massaquoi returned to last year’s form with 3 receptions for 56 yards, A.J. Bryant caught 2 passes for 62 yards, Kenneth Harris had 12 yards, Martrez Milner had 9 yards, and Demiko Goodman had 6 yards.
Georgia’s special teams had a special night – both good and bad. First good, Thomas Brown had 136 kickoff return yards and 1 touchdown while Mikey Henderson had 93 punt return yards and 1 touchdown. In case you didn’t know, this doesn’t happen often and their actions get them both the game ball of the game. Now the bad, UGA’s special team gave up a blocked punt that resulted in a UT touchdown. This isn’t the first time this season – Coach Richt needs to change his formation and get weak side help.
The G-Day defense played as well as they could, but when the offense turns the ball over 4 times, thus giving the other team a really short field, it’s only a matter of time before they wear you down and score. One thing I’ve noticed about our current defense – we don’t have any impact players to make the big play when we need it, i.e. Boss Bailey, Champ Bailey, Thomas Davis, David Pollack, o r Odell Thurman.
Next Week: Vanderbilt comes to town to play against UGA for homecoming.
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