It started out well, with Asher Allen nearly returning the opening kickoff for touchdown. It then turned bad, with the Dawgs losing a fumble in the red zone. Soon, they had suffered two pass interceptions and were down 10-0 late in the second quarter. But Georgia scored a touchdown late in the half to cut the lead to 10-7.
The game-changing play occurred in the third quarter when Kelin Johnson blocked a Wildcat punt. Before you could say "Herschel" the Dawgs were up 21-10 and then held on for a 24-13 victory over a very good Kentucky team (remember, only the Wildcats have defeated #1 LSU this year).
The running game carried the offense this time. Knowshon Moreno rushed for over 100 yards for the fifth straight game; the last Georgia running back to do that was Herschel Walker. Thomas Brown also had a solid game. Quarterback Matthew Stafford made some key throws but had a sub-par day, throwing for only 99 yards and no touchdowns.
The real story was the defense. To hold the high-powered UK offense, led by outstanding senior quarterback Andre Woodson, to only thirteen points was a great accomplishment. Woodson did throw for 268 yards, but the Cats rushed the ball 29 times for 29 yards. That's right--they averaged one yard per carry!
Next week's game is against Georgia Tech. The Dawgs have won this one six straight times and will be favored in this one. It's always a war, of course.
This weeks' amazing score: Louisiana-Monroe 21, Alabama 14.
This weeks' frustrating score: Tennessee 25, Vanderbilt 24. Had Vandy won, Georgia would be in the SEC title game. That could still happen if UK beats UT in Lexington next Saturday.
Most likely scenario: UT beats UK and then loses to LSU in the SEC Championship game. That puts LSU in the BCS championship game and probably lands UGA in the Sugar Bowl, provided that the Dawgs beat the Ramblin' Wreck. That would be pretty good for a team that looked dead a few weeks ago after being thrashed by the Vols.
In behalf of Vanderbilt fans, we share your disappointment. What a frustrating loss.
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