#15 Georgia 24, #18 Michigan State 12

The G-Day Defense redeemed previous poor performances where they allowed 38 or more points with an impressive showing against the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital One Bowl. It was evident early on that Georgia’s game plan was to slow down Michigan State’s All-American running back Javon Ringer. Thankfully, the Dawgs succeeded and held Ringer to only 47 rushing yards on 20 carries and only allowed the Spartans to gain 236 total yards.

The Georgia offense struggled in the first half and only managed 3 points, but exploded in the second half when quarterback Matthew Stafford caught fire and went 14 of 17. He finished 20 of 31 for 250 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception and was named game MVP. Running back Knowshon Moreno finished with 62 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Junior wide receiver Michael Moore finished with 97 yards and 1 touchdown. Tight end Aron White also had 1 receiving touchdown. With the win, the Bulldogs are 7-0 all-time against Big Ten schools in bowl games and won its 10th game for the sixth time in the last seven seasons.

The big question plaguing the Bulldog Nation is whether Stafford and Moreno will return next season or enter the NFL draft. The deadline for underclassmen to enter the draft is January 15. Scouts predict that if both players enter the draft they’ll be selected on the first day of the draft in April. After the Capital One Bowl, Stafford said the following about his draft status, “Obviously, there is the lure of the NFL. But to tell you the truth, I am 50-50 right now. And I really don’t know what I want to do.” When asked, Moreno said this about the draft decision, “It’s a very tough decision, a big step for anyone. I’ve got to sit down and make sure I make the right decision.

As a fan, I’d love Stafford and Moreno to come back for one more season because I think this team, especially when it’s healthy and with those two special players can challenge for a national title, especially if the national spotlight is placed on them, i.e. a preseason #1 ranking. On the other hand, if someone wants to pay them millions of dollars to play football, something they’re currently doing for free, they should jump on the money train and cash in while they can because you can always come back in a get a college education. For both players, they better make sure they’re truly projected to be a first day pick so they can be eligible for guaranteed money. If not, they should probably consider returning to school.