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.

Stafford Reaches 300 yard Mark

Matt Stafford continued to spread the ball around, on is way to a career-best 310 yards passing.  He completed 25 of 36 passes and had 1 TD and 2 interceptions.  Eight different receivers caught the ball, led by Mohamed Massaquoi and A.J. Green, who combined for 12 catches for 156 yards and a (MoMass) touchdown. The running backs also proved to be valuable targets, combining for 6 catches. Fullback Shaun Chapas had a highlight-reel catch on a screen pass that went for 37 yards. And, Chapas led all running backs, catching 3 passes for 64 yards.

Dawgs Pound the Vols

Tennessee came into the game with the 4th best rushing defense in the SEC and the #1 total defense. By the end of the game, Georgia had rolled up 458 yards of total offense and 148 on the ground. Knowshon Moreno reached the century mark with 27 carries for 101 yards on the day. The Dawgs had several long drives, but, one of my favorites was a 4th quarter drive when Mike Bobo called 10 straight running plays, mainly to the left side of the offensive line. Georgia repeatedly pounded the left side of the line with a combination of Knowshon Moreno and Caleb King, as the game clock winded down under 3 minutes to go.

Time to Take Care of Business

Sitting at 5-1 and ranked #10 in the nation, the Dawgs must hunker down these next several weeks. The Dawgs are in a 3-way tie for first place in the SEC East with Vanderbilt and Florida. With offensive tackle Vince Vance going down with a season-ending injury against Tennessee, the offensive line has been shuffled once again. The good news is that these guys have finished the drill in the face of adversity all year and continue to play tough. With Vanderbilt finally loosing to Mississippi State this weekend, they will come into Sanford Stadium hungry and the Dawgs must be ready to take care of business. With Vandy, LSU and Florida all ranked, the next three games will shape how the SEC East shakes out and whether the Dawgs can make it back to Atlanta for the SEC title game....... Stay tuned.