#13 Georgia 31, #23 Georgia Tech 17

We run this state.  The Georgia Bulldogs marched into Bobby Dodd Stadium and took a bite out of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.  Quarterback Aaron Murray continues to make the case for first team all-SEC honors with his phenomenal play.  He finished 19 of 29 for 252 yards, 4-touchdowns, and 1-interception.   Murray has really carried the team on his shoulders since the Florida game.

Starting tailback Isaiah Crowell did not play due to injury, but Georgia somehow accumulated 128 rushing yards by committee.  Cornerback Branden Smith started, averaging 4-yards per carry and finished with 20-yards.  Ken “Boo” Malcolm finally earned some playing time, finishing with a team high 39-yards.  Malcolm’s ability to absorb hits and grind out tough yards impressed me.

The Dawgs’ young receivers continue to play above their years.  Chris Conley and Michael Bennett had touchdowns, while Malcolm Mitchell made tough catches threw the middle.  Upperclassmen Orson Charles led the team in receiving with 95-yards, and Aron White and Tavarres King added touchdowns.

The Red & Black Attack continued their dominance, holding Tech to 355 total yards.  They further forced Tevin Washington to throw 2-interceptions and made him look otherwise inept.

The season comes full circle next week as the Dawgs return to the Georgia Dome where the season started.  They will challenge the #1 team in the country, the Louisiana State University Tigers, for the SEC Championship.  LSU’s resume is impressive, as they have dominated every team they have played, excluding Alabama.  I imagine Georgia will be a double-digit underdog, and it is evident from watching the sports highlight shows that a majority of the prognosticators already believes that LSU will win. 

The Tigers are a dominating team and deserve to be an early favorite, but I believe the Bulldogs have a punchers chance if their defense continues to dominate and force turnovers.  LSU has two average quarterbacks; therefore, if we can limit their stellar run game (as we did with Tech) and make them rely on Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee, we might have a chance. 

Offensively, the Georgia offensive line will have to play the best game of their season.  They will have to protect Murray from LSU’s aggressive pass rush, and Murray will have to protect the ball by specifically not taking big sacks and throwing stupid interceptions.  Further, the Dawgs will need Crowell to play as he’s the best running back on the team and the rest of guys will have to pull their weight when Crowell’s off the field.