South Carolina dominated Georgia 35-7. Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
Georgia had a chance to jump into national title contention, but wilted under the pressure again and fell to South Carolina 35-7. The loss drops UGA’s record to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC.
The fifth-ranked Bulldogs were never close to the sixth-ranked Gamecocks last night, and it was embarrassing. A Ken Malcome touchdown late in the fourth quarter kept the Dawgs from being shutout for the first time since 1995.
South Carolina asserted their dominance on the opening possession of the game, marching 76 yards to take a 7-0 lead. Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell returned the ensuing kickoff 48 yards, but the Dawgs turned it over three plays later when Aaron Murray’s pass was tipped and then intercepted.
The Gamecocks proceeded to march down the field on Georgia’s defense again, this time for 69 yards. After a 14-yard TD pass, USC led 14-0.
Georgia would go three and out on their next possession and had to punt. South Carolina’s Ace Sanders returned the punt 70 yards for the touchdown and the rout was on.
South Carolina didn’t score in the 2nd quarter and took their 21-0 lead into the half. But the game was already over for the Bulldogs who looked they had already quit. The Dawgs didn’t put up much of a fight in the 2nd half and finally succumbed to defeat.
The Gamecocks finished with 392 yards of total offense compared to only 224 for Georgia.
“They can’t say they own us anymore, that’s for sure,” South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said. That hurts, but it’s true. Georgia has lost three straight to the Gamecocks.
The Bulldogs are now 0-10 against SEC teams that finished ranked since 2008. And over the last two years, Georgia is 0-10 against all ranked teams.
Those number are indicative of the state of Georgia’s program under Richt lately. The Bulldogs simply can’t win the big games.
They will, however, get another chance at a big game on Oct. 27 when they face Florida in Jacksonville. Even though they got routed last night, UGA can still finish the season 11-1 or 10-2. Of course that’s if Georgia doesn’t lose a game it is supposed to win.
Georgia players and their fans will have an extra week to boil over this loss as Saturday is an off week. The Bulldogs return to action on Oct. 20 at Kentucky. Time and TV for that game will be announced tomorrow.
Poll Updates:
- AP: Georgia has dropped from 5th to 14th.
- Coaches: TBA
Georgia at South Carolina Highlights:
Related Links:
- 2012 Georgia Bulldogs Football Schedule
- Bulldogs Fall to Gamecocks on the Road – GeorgiaDogs.com
- Georgia-South Carolina Box Score – ESPN.com
View Comments (9)
UGA lacked the desire to win from the beginning of the game which is not a typical element of UGA football.
here we go again...the team is high on promise but low on delivery...the TV audience saw what we all dreaded would happen...the Tenn game was revealing as the Vols are not very strong and we barely beat them...plus UGA can't play Vandy every week...
President Adams is retiring so maybe the next President will light a fire under McGarity to get this under control...Saban could fix it but it would cost UGA $8 OR $10 Million per year to get him...maybe a bargain to start being relevant again...
kirby smart
It was a sad loss but its behind us now so we just need to wipe off the dirt, take a rest and reflect this coming up off week and get ready for Kentucky. Shake it off DAWGS we will recover.
Yall give Aaron Murray a break. His dad is fighting thyroid cancer.. When he threw that first interception you should of known something was wrong and it wasnt the desire to not win. Come on..
http://www.rantsports.com/ncaa-football/2012/10/07/sec-football-aaron-murrays-dad-diagnosed-with-cancer/?d1mgcyqs3JUEWkXQ.01
Coaching
No fire in the staff
No fire in the team
UGA was out coached.
I still love my DOGS win or lose.
Dawg fan since the 40's, never saw a team quit before.Richt,a good person,but the least inspiring leader,ever. If there is an Erk Russel out there we need him,tired of seeing so much tallent not properly used, or inspired to win.
The head coach need to resign no championship since walker days Thanks coach richt