The Bulldogs started well but couldn’t get into the endzone, instead settling for two first quarter field goals. The teams then traded touchdowns (Stephen Garcia to Alshon Jeffery; Aaron Murray to Rantavious Wooten).
With just under three minutes left, the Gamecocks’ Melvin Ingram took a fake punt and rushed 68 yards for a touchdown and gave USC a 14-13 halftime lead.
Georgia regained the lead 20-14 in the third, but then it fell apart for the Bulldogs. UGA freshman running back Isaiah Crowell fumbled the ball, which was returned by South Carolina to the Georgia five. Garcia punched it in to make it 21-20 USC.
On the ensuing possession, Murray was intercepted at the Georgia 25 and it was returned for a TD to make it 28-20. Later, Murray hit Michael Bennett to tie the game at 28 after the two-point conversion.
Late in the fourth trailing 38-35, Georgia had the ball at their own 30. But Murray was sacked and fumbled the ball for another USC defensive score. The Dawgs would get one more TD to make it 45-42, but that’s where the game ended.
I agree with the Senator in that “…you can’t lay this one on the coaches.” Last week, sure. Last night was a monumentally better effort from the staff and the players. But in my opinion, the four big mistakes were the difference in the game: Allowing the fake punt for the TD, Crowell’s fumble, Murray’s pick-6 and Murray’s sack and fumble for a TD.
“Really, it was three defensive scores. And the punt, too. Melvin, he’s a defensive player. So that’s basically four defensive touchdowns,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “Georgia outplayed us. Give ’em credit. They definitely outplayed us. But we won the game. Sometimes it happens like that. Somebody was looking out for us tonight.”
Georgia should pick up their first win of the season this Saturday when they host the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (1:00 p.m. ET – PPV – Tickets). The following week, the Dawgs travel to take on the Ole Miss Rebels.
Related Links:
- 2011 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule – Sicemdawgs.com
- Bulldogs Drop High Scoring Affair with Gamecocks – GeorgiaDogs.com
- Georgia-Boise State Box Score – ESPN.com
- Trending Meh – Georgia Sports Blog
- Sunday’s Non-miserable Thoughts – Bernie’s Dawg Blawg
- Game Impression – Leather Helmet Blog
View Comments (34)
Should have had them cocks!! Crowell is a beast he looked awesone!
Dawgs make 2 many mistakes. We really should hav won this one. Richt had them ready. Especially the offensve line.
That showed me enough I believe and everyone else should too! Keep the faith!
Completely different team this week compared to last weekend against BSU. Crowell lived up to the reputation of being compared to knowshon, and i expect great things from him ( if he can hold on to the damn ball). Murray was reading the defense alot better but made some decisions that werent the best. The O line could have done a better job in protecting the quarter back, hell we have one of the biggest Offensive lines in the SEC!!!
All of Bulldog nation should be proud, a much better looking team than last Saturday. I think Richt should stay atleast until the end of the season. Keep the faith!
I believe in this team! Keep the faith Bulldog Nation!
Substantially better effort all the way around. We were the better team on the field Saturday, but three turnovers for 21 pts will always cause a loss. Crowell is the real deal, he's got next week to gear up and we should pick up momentum moving into the sec games. Excited to watch this play out, coach richt and the staff did a great job preparing them this week.
Has Aaron Murray become Brett Favre? For every spectacular throw on Saturday came a pick 6 or fumble trying to set up a screen play deep in UGA territory. Love his fire and skill set, but would love to see better ball protection from a third year QB.
3rd year? did i miss one of those years?
We need to stop making these stupid mistakes. The turnovers are killing us. We looked so much better and had those damn cocks on the rope, but the turnovers at critical points. Hold on to the damn ball.
Richt did what he was supposed to he got the DAWGS ready and made good calls. He didnt miss the kick, fummble the ball, miss the taclke, or throw the quick pick 6. We will end of 9-3 this year. Keep Crowell in the game and we can beat anyone !! GO DAWGS !!!!!!