9/30/17
Georgia demoralizes Tennessee in 41-0 Shutout
In Georgia’s 1st SEC road game against Tennessee, the Bulldogs looked to make a statement and show that they aren’t a team to be messed with. In a 3:30 pm game, the Bulldogs took on the Volunteers in a loud Neyland stadium. When most people predicted a close game, the Bulldogs didn’t have that intention. After kicking off to Tennessee to start the game, the defense, like they always do game in and game out, set the tone and they made a statement early.
With the 1st play from scrimmage, UT decided to throw the ball to the outside and it was picked off by UGA corner, JR Reed. This play not only set the tone for the entire game but it silenced the Neyland crowd!
With short yardage, UGA was able to rack up 3 points and rely back on their defense. UGA’s defense, being the heart and soul of the team, continued to pressure the QB and clog up the running lanes that forced multiple 3 and outs.
The UGA offense began to roll after a few key passing plays to Terry Godwin and Javon Wims, that led to a TD to extend the lead to 10-0. As the 1st quarter continued to play out, Georgia was hit with the injury bug, first it was LB Reggie Carter who twisted the wrong direction after a tackle and was slow to get up followed by a lower knee injury to Trent Thompson and ended with an arm injury for Davin Bellamy who was looked at but returned to the game shortly after. Although all theses injuries took place, Georgia continued to stop the UT offense because of the depth they have at those defensive positions.
To start the 2nd quarter, Jake Fromm made a mistake and it led to an interception but sure enough the defense ran back on the field and got the ball back! Following a negative run play, UGA was able to force a fumble and it was recovered by who other than Lorenzo Carter. This is when the game was broken wide open.
Sensing that the Tennessee team was tired and being outplayed, OC Chaney called a play sequence that led them to a 17-0 lead from a 9 yard TD run by Jake Fromm. In a drive that UT needed to respond, QB Quinten Dormady threw his 2nd interception that ultimately began the burial service.
With a short field, UGA made the most of the opportunity and Fromm ran it in for a 4 yard TD, his 2nd of the game. The score at halftime was 24-0. After last years collapse, UGA was on a mission to not allow that to happen again. They came out and showed that, in their 1st drive, UGA was stopped after just 34 yards and had to punt the ball away. Relying on their defense once again, UGA allowed a short pass by Dormady to RB John Kelly who turned up field for 44 yards. The play looked about over until multiple broken tackles allowed Aaron Davis to get his hands on the ball and force yet another fumble, that was recovered by JR Reed. With all these turnovers occurring, UGA was able to pull away for good and never look back.
Rushing TD’s by Sony Michel and Brian Herrien in the 3rd and 4th quarters, pushed the lead to 38-0. UGA not getting complacent, continued to “chop” away at the UT offensive line and not allow any drives to develop.
In UGA’S final drive, Coach Smart put Jacob Eason in the game, fresh off a week #1 injury and allowed him to “work off the rust” so to speak. In doing so, the offense was able to get another 3 points ending the game at 41-0.
With this shutout, Tennessee is served their 1st shutout since 1994 and suffering their worst loss since 1981, UGA moves to 5-0 on the season and look ahead to yet another road game against Vanderbilt on October 6th at 12 o’clock noon.
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