LEXINGTON, KY- Whew!!! Close one..... The Dawgs used a "clutch" play on offense and a key defensive stop to survive upset-minded Kentucky this weekend. In an ugly win, the Dawgs got back in the win column after surviving several special teams mistakes. The Dawgs gave up a 96-yard kickoff return, an 18 yard punt and a blocked punt that led to easy points for the Wildcats. The defense struggled all day against an option attack, led by quarterback Randall Cobb's 18 carries for 83 yards (and 3 TD's).  Kentucky's offense was able to control the clock, holding the ball for 9 more minutes than the Dawgs. However Georgia fired back with four plays that went for over 40 yards and out-gained the Cats in total offense 520 to 331. Matthew Stafford had a career day, going 17 for 27 with 376 yards passing and 3 touchdowns. Knowshon Moreno picked up 123 yards rushing with another 3 touchdowns. Mohammed Massaquoi had 191 yards receiving and  1 touchdown. But, it was a Matt Stafford to A.J. Green 11-yard touchdown with 1:54 left in the game that sealed the deal.

Darryl Gamble actually tied an NCAA record (for linebackers) with 2 interceptions for touchdowns on the day. Georgia's defense had 3 total interceptions against LSU, with safety Rashad Jones picking off a pass, along with Gamble's two.  The Dawgs defense gave up 497 yards of total offense, however, the 3 picks (and 2 for TD's) were huge. Offensively, Knowshon Moreno had 21 carries for 163 yards and a 68 yard touchdown. Matt Stafford threw for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns, and, he had a 7-yard TD run as well. A.J. Green was the leading receiver with 3 catches for 89 yards and a 49-yard TD.  Michael Moore and Mohammed Massaquoi had 3 catches a piece, to help pace the Dawgs passing attack.

My 3 keys to the game were: 1. Score Early 2.  Linemen need to G.A.T.A (Get After Their Asses) and 3. Use "Star Power". Georgia accomplished all three as Darryl Gamble provided the early score. Next, the offensive and defensive lines "got after it". LSU came into the game with all of the "big name" linemen, and, I thought the Georgia offensive line, in particular, stepped up. With the star-studded Tiger D-line across from the young, injury-plagued Georgia line, the "young pups" grew up and helped the Dawgs roll up 443 yards of total offense. The last key to the game was to use "star power". Matt Stafford, Knowshon Moreno, A.J. Green and Darryl Gamble all shined in a big way.

How to Win in "Death Valley"

1. G.A.T.A.- Bulldog fans know these initials stand for "Get After Their Ass". LSU remains one of the most talented teams in the SEC. Their offensive and defensive lines will be one of the best, if not THE best pair of lines the Dawgs will face all year. Their offense has had little trouble moving the ball and ranks among the SEC's best, averaging over 30 points-per-game. When these two teams strap on the shoulder pads, Georgia's offensive and defensive linemen will need to play with "a bad case of the wants", as former coach Erk Russell used to say.

2.  Score early- Anyone who has attended a game in "Death Valley", as I have, knows what a rowdy bunch the LSU fans can be. The Dawgs must get on the scoreboard early and capitalize on each scoring opportunity. The longer you don't score, the tougher it will be in one of the loudest stadiums in the nation.

3. Use "Star Power"- You've heard the phrase before: "Big players make Big plays in Big games". This is exactly what Georgia will need against LSU. This will be a huge game for both teams and Georgia's "stars" must shine. Georgia has the advantage at the quarterback position, with Matt Stafford directing the offense. And, Stafford, along with Knowshon Moreno, A.J. Green, Mohamed Massaquoi and others, must step up. On defense, Rennie Curran, Dannelle Ellerbe, Asher Allan and their teammates, must "bring it" for 4 quarters.

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Overall, this game could have had a much larger margin of victory for Georgia. Several interceptions were dropped or missed. And, penalties are still showing up on the stat sheet. Kicker Blair Walsh missed a field goal, which was rare. And, there appeared to be a couple of missed assignments here and there. To their credit, the Bulldog defense held steady when the score sat at 21-14, and, the offense had some key first downs to run the clock down, when it counted.