University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia-Ole Miss Game Notes
November 04, 2002 | Football
Nov. 4, 2002
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2002 GEORGIA BULLDOG FOOTBALL
No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1, 5-1 SEC)
vs. Ole Miss (5-4, 2-3 SEC)
Date: Nov. 9, 7:00 pm
Site: Athens, Ga.
Stadium: Sanford (86,520)
Radio: Georgia Radio Network (WNGC-FM 106.1 Athens, 750 AM Atlanta) Larry Munson, Scott Howard, Loran Smith, Neil Williamson
National Television: ESPN2-TV (Dave Barnett, Bill Curry, Mike Golic and Michelle Tafoya)
TV Replay: CSS-TV (Tues. @ 8 pm in Athens on Ch. 95; Wed. @ 8 pm in Atlanta on Ch. 33)
Internet Game Day Live: georgiadogs.com
Send a "Georgia-Ole Miss" e-card
BCS Standings (Announced Monday Evening)
2002 Depth Chart
2002 Georgia Schedule
Up Close: UGA VI
Georgia in the Polls
Georgia's NFL Bulldogs
2002 Georgia Schedule
National Ranking: #7 AP, #8 Coaches
Aug. 31 Clemson (ESPN) W, 31-28
Sept. 14 @South Carolina (CBS) W, 13-7
Sept. 21 Northwestern State W, 45-7
Sept. 28 New Mexico State W, 41-10
Oct. 5 @ #22 Alabama (CBS) W, 27-25
Oct. 12 #10 Tennessee (CBS) W, 18-13
Oct. 19 Vanderbilt (JP) W, 48-17
Oct. 26 @ Kentucky (CBS) W, 52-24
Nov. 2 %Florida (ESPN) L, 20-13
Nov. 9 Ole Miss (ESPN-2) 7:00 pm
Nov. 16 @ Auburn TBA
Nov. 30 Georgia Tech TBA
%Jacksonville, Fla.
Did You Know?
After last week's loss, Georgia dropped from fifth to seventh in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 weekly ranking. The last time the Bulldogs were ranked this high at this point in the season was 1997. At 7-1 on Nov. 9, 1997, Georgia checked in at number seven in the AP poll. The 1997 squad ended up 10-2.
Georgia Quick Facts
Website: georgiadogs.com
Location: Athens
Colors: Red & Black
Nickname: Bulldogs
Enrollment: 32,400
Conference: Southeastern
Home Field: Sanford Stadium (86,520)
Athletic Director: Vince Dooley
Head Coach: Mark Richt
Alma Mater: Miami, Fla. ('82)
Record at School (Years): 16-5 (2nd)
Overall Record (Years): 16-5 (2nd)
2002 Team Record (SEC): 8-1 (5-1)
Ole Miss Quick Facts
Website: www.olemisssports.com
National Ranking: Not Ranked
Location: Oxford, Miss.
Colors: Cardinal Red & Navy Blue
Nickname: Rebels
Enrollment: 14,429
Conference: SEC
Home Field: Vaught-Hemmingway (60,580)
Athletic Director: Pete Boone
Head Coach: David Cutcliffe
Alma Mater: Alabama ('76)
Record at School (Years): 28-17 (4th)
Overall Rec. (Years): 28-17 (4th)
2002 Team Record (SEC): 5-4 (2-3)
Georgia Story Lines This Week
* At 8-1 after nine games, Georgia is enjoying its best season since 1983 when the Bulldogs were 8-0-1 en route to a 10-1-1 finish capped by a Cotton Bowl win over second-ranked Texas.
*Georgia's defense continues its stellar play, ranking second in the SEC and 13th nationally in scoring defense at 16.8 points allowed a game. The Bulldogs leads the SEC in Red Zone defense with opponents scoring just 54.2 percent of the time (13-of-24, 10 TDs, 3 FGs).
*After combining to score 100 points over a two-game span for the first time since 1946, Georgia was limited to 13 points against the Gators including being shutout in the second half. It marked only the second time in the Mark Richt era that the Bulldogs were blanked in the second half of a game (both coming against Florida).
*The Bulldogs own a one-game lead in the SEC Eastern Division over the Florida Gators who travel to Vanderbilt this Saturday and finish up with South Carolina in Gainesville. Georgia has won five straight over Ole Miss while the Gators have won 11 straight over the Commodores. After the Ole Miss game, Georgia faces Auburn in Auburn. The Tigers have won three straight over Georgia while the Gators are 8-0 against South Carolina in Gainesville.
*Georgia is 1-1 under Mark Richt in games following a loss. Last season, they rebounded from a loss to South Carolina to win four straight. Then, they dropped two straight (Florida and Auburn) before finishing the regular season with a three-game winning streak.
Georgia-Ole Miss Series
Georgia leads the 62-year-old series 27-12-1 including winning the last five meetings. The Rebels last win in the series came in 1996, a 31-27 victory in Athens. The two teams first met in 1940 but have played annually since 1966. Georgia is 15-4-1 against the Rebels in Athens and Sanford Stadium.
Last Meeting: Nov. 17, 2001 in Oxford, Miss.: #23 Georgia d. Ole Miss 35-15
Senior running back Verron Haynes rushed for a career-high 192 yards and two touchdowns as No. 23 Georgia topped Ole Miss 35-15. Overall, Georgia ran for 268 yards and limited the Rebels offense to 361 total yards, their second-lowest output of the season.
Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning completed 35 of 47 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns but his third interception of the day proved to be a costly one. Senior rover Jermaine Phillips snagged the errant aerial and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown.
Last Meeting in Athens: Nov. 18, 2000
#22 Georgia d. Ole Miss 32-14
Freshman running back Musa Smith ran for a season-high 144 yards and the Bulldog defense blanked the Rebels in the second half to post a 32-14 win.
Georgia had to overcome an early 14-0 decifict. The Bulldogs grabed their first lead, 15-14, in the third quarter when they recorded a safety on a bad snap that went through the end zone. All-SEC cornerback Tim Wansley also returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in the final quarter to seal the win.
Last Week's Game Recaps:
Florida Edges Georgia 20-13
Georgia's hopes of clinching the SEC Eastern Division title last Saturday in Jacksonville against the Gators were dashed after Florida recorded a 20-13 victory. The Gators blanked the Bulldogs in the second half and managed one touchdown to erase a 13-12 half-time deficit. Rex Grossman directed a 10-play, 89-yard drive at the start of the fourth quarter for the only score in the second half, and the Gator defense made it hold up to hand Georgia its first loss of the season.
Georgia missed numerous scoring opportunities in the second half including a pair of field goals (36- and 50-yarder). Overall, Georgia made four trips inside the red zone and came away with just 10 points on the night. The Bulldogs got two starters (RB Musa Smith and OT Jon Stinchcomb) back but were missing two of its top three receivers/special teams returners (WR-PR Damien Gary and WR/KOR Fred Gibson).
Rebels Fall to Auburn 31-24
Ole Miss has dropped three straight including a 31-24 decision to Auburn last Saturday. Auburn's Ronnie Brown rushed for 224 yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a victory. Ole MIss' Eli Manning nearly rallied the team back, completing 23-of-46 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. However, his three interceptions hurt, none more than the final one coming at the Auburn 8 with 1:52 left to play.
Chris Collins tied an Ole MIss mark with three touchdown receptions, finishing the day with eight catches for 106 yards.
Current Stat Leaders
GEORGIA
Rushing: Musa Smith: 146 for 714 yards, 5 TDs, Long of 32
Passing: David Greene: 152x265, 1,956 yards, 17 TDs, 6 INTs
Receiving: Terrence Edwards: 42 for 714 yards, 9 TDs
Punting: Jonathan Kilgo: 45 punts, 41.3 avg., Long of 53
Kicking: Billy Bennett: 14x17 FGs, Long of 47, 34x34 PATs
Tackles: Boss Bailey: 84 tackles (43S, 41A)
OLE MISS
Rushing: Robert Williams: 61 for 307 yards, 4 TDs, Long of 22
Passing: Eli Manning: 207x345, 2,487 yards, 17 TDs, 9 INTs
Receiving: Bill Flowers, 43 for 449 yards, 3 TDs; Chris Collins, 36 for 547 yards, 8 TDs
Punting: Cory Ridgeway: 42 punts, 43.4 avg., Long of 58
Kicking: Jonathan Nichols: 9x12 FGs, Long of 50, 31x31 PATs
Tackles: Eric Oliver: 84 tackles (48S, 36A)
INSIDE THE NUMBERS...Bulldogs in the SEC
Several Bulldogs rank among the top three in the SEC in the following categories:
Receving Yards/Game: Terrence Edwards, 2nd, 79.3
Passing Efficiency: David Greene, 3rd, 136.0
Kick Return Avg: Fred Gibson, T1st (25.8);15th nationally
Scoring (Kicking): Billy Bennett, 2ndt overall, 1st among Kickers, 76 pts, 8.4 Pts/g
FG and FG PCT: Billy Bennett, 1st, 82.4% (14-of-17)
PAT Kicking PCT: Billy Bennett: T1st (100%) at 34-for-34
(SEC Defensive Stats are Updated on Monday)
Sacks: David Pollack, 1st, 10; Pass Deflections: David Pollack, T3rd, 7
Tackles for Losses: David Pollack, 1st, 15; Jonathan Sullivan, 3rd, 11
QB-Pressures: Johnathan Sullivan and David Pollack, T1st, 24;
No. 7 Georgia
Category: Ranking (Avg.)
Scoring Offense: 3rd (32.0)
Scoring Defense: 2nd (16.8) and 13th nationally
Pass Offense: 3rd (254.9)
Pass Defense: 9th (211.2)
Rushing Offense: 9th (127.7)
Rushing Defense: 4th (115.4)
Total Offense: 6th (382.6)
Total Defense: 6th (326.7)
Kickoff Returns: 7th (19.9)
Punt Returns: 3rd (16.2) and 8th nationally
Net Punting: 6th (36.2)
Turnover Margin: T7th (0)
Time of Possession: 12th (27:38)
Kickoff Coverage: 4th (18.8)
Greene Directs Bulldogs to 8-1 Start
*A 6-3, 227-pound Redshirt-Sophomore native of Snellville, Ga.
*Career Record of 16-5 as Georgia starter including 7-0 on opponent's home field, winning at #6 Tennessee, #21 Ga. Tech, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt in 2001; at #22 Alabama, South Carolina and Kentucky in 2002
*Ranks 3rd in SEC in Passing Efficiency (136.0)
*Four 4th quarter comebacks (Clemson, @#22 Alabama in 2002; @#6 Tenn., Kentucky in 2001)
*Razor-sharp in 48-17 win over Vanderbilt, 20-for-23, 319 yards, 2 TDs
*CBS Player of the Game in 27-25 win over #22 Alabama, Georgia's first-ever victory in Tuscaloosa
*Twice tied School Record this season with 4 TD Passes in 52-24 road win at Kentucky and 45-7 win over NW St. in Athens
*Combined with D.J. Shockley vs. Kentucky to set Bulldog record with 6 TD passes in a game.
Record-Setting Edwards Closing in on SEC Marks
*A 6-0, 171-pound Senior native of Tennille, Ga.
*Biletnikoff Award "Watch List,"
*Currently with team-high 42 Rec. for 714 yards and school-record tying 9 TDs
*Ranks 2nd in SEC in Rec. Yards/G(79.3), 4th in Rec./G (4.67)
*Owns 4 Georgia Career Receiving Records: Receptions (187), Receiving Yards (2,803), TD Receptions (28) and Most Games with 100 Yards Receiving (10).
*Currently tied his own record for Most TD Catches in a Season with 9; Also had 9 in 1999 and shares this mark with Brice Hunter (1993) and Hason Graham (1994)
*Tied school record with 3 TD catches in win over Kentucky, shares mark with Don Potterfield (vs. Auburn in 1963) and George Poschner (vs. Florida in 1942)
*Has caught a pass in 43 of 44 games he has played (counting bowl games). The 2001 Florida game snapped a 30-game streak.
*CBS-TV Player of the Game for performances in wins over #10 Tennessee (7 rec., 112 yards, and at Kentucky (5 rec., 127 yards, school-record tying 3 TDs, 2 KO Ret. for 44 yards, 1 pass completion for 4 yards)...Also named SEC Player of the Week for performance in road win over Kentucky
*Currently ranks 6th in SEC history for Career Rec. Yards (2,803); Josh Reed (LSU) holds the mark with 3,001 yards from 1999-2001.; Closing in on SEC Receptions and TD Receptions records
SEC Record: Career Receptions
1. 208 Craig Yeast, UK (1995-98)
2. 200 Keith Edwards, VU (1980,82-84)
3. 194 Anthony White, UK (1996-99)
4. 188 Boo Mitchell, VU (1985-88)
5. 187 Terrence Edwards, UGA (1999-curr.)
SEC Record: Career TD Receptions
1. 31 Chris Doering, UF (1992-95)
T2. 29 Ike Hilliard, UF (1994-96)
T2. 29 Terry Beasley, AU (1969-71)
T4. 28 Terrence Edwards, UGA (1999-curr.)
T4. 28 Craig Yeast, UK (1995-98)
Two-QB System Returns With Shockley Healthy Again
*A 6-1, 190-pound Redshirt-Freshman native of College Park, Ga.
Georgia had experimented with playing two quarterbacks in its first two games this year, however sophomore David Greene saw a majority of the action after redshirt freshman D.J. Shockley broke a bone in his left foot against South Carolina. In the USC game, he broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot while running with the football.
Shockley missed the next four games before returning to action against Vanderbilt on Oct. 19 and then showcased his talents in extended play against Kentucky on Oct. 26. Against the Wildcats, Shockley set career-highs, completing 10-of-14 passes for 102 yards and 2 TDs plus had six rushes for 32 yards. His highlights included a 16-yard keeper on third-and-inches, and he jumped over a would-be tackler and completed an 8-yard TD pass to Damien Gary.
Shockley paired with Greene to set a Bulldog mark with 6 TD passes in a game. Coach Richt after the UK game said, "I've always believed in the players, and I was hoping we would have a performance like that."
On the year, Shockley has appeared in 5 games and is 23-for-36 with 273 yards passing and 4 TDs plus 2 INTs. Also, he has 22 rushes for 82 yards and 1 TD. Senior QB Cory Phillips, who has appeared in 16 games with four starts in his career, served as the number two QB while Shockley was injured. Phillips saw action versus Northwestern State, New Mexico State and all three played in the Vanderbilt game. Phillips is 4-for-7 with 61 yards passing and one TD.
Smith Makes Return Against Florida
*A 6-2, 226-pound Junior native of Elliottsburg, Penn.
*Returned to lineup vs. Florida, gained 100 yards on 22 carries after missing UK game with thumb injury/surgery
*14 rushes, 102 yards, 2 TDs in win over Vanderbilt but injured left thumb; Had thumb surgery on Oct. 22 and made the UK trip, dressed out but did not play.
*Had 19 carries for 29 yards plus 2 catches for 8 yards in win over #10 Tennessee
*First RB to rush for more than 100 yards against #22 Alabama this year, Had 21 carries for 126 yards and 1 TD in win over the Crimson Tide
*12 carries for 79 yards and 2 TDs plus 2 rec. for 14 yards in win over New Mexico State
*Career-high 27 carries (103 yards) in 13-7 win at South Carolina.
*Georgia's top rusher and receiver in season-opening win over Clemson (23 rushes for 105 yards and 4 receptions for 16 yards).
*Frustrating season in 2001 due to osteitis pubis, a condition in which stomach and groin muscles tear away from the pubic bone.
*Currently on maintenance program to strengthen groin and abdominal muscles. Also does extra stretching before and after practice including whirpool and ultrasound.
Year G/GS Att. Yds. TD LG Rec. Yds. TD LG
2000 9/2 75 300 5 40 2 -7 0 -3
2001 9/5 119 548 6 49 10 87 0 17
2002 8/8 146 714 5 32 13 108 0 26
Totals 26/15 340 1574 16 49 25 188 0 26
Gibson Sidelined With Thumb Injury, May Be Back for Ole Miss
*A 6-4, 190-pound Sophomore native of Waycross, Ga.
On the Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"
*25 receptions for 411 yards, 2 TDs, 663 all-purpose yards but missed the Kentucky and Florida games due to a thumb injury (surgery to repair ligament tear on Oct. 22) that happened during the Vanderbilt game
*Ranks 6th in the SEC in Receiving Yards/Game at 58.7
*2nd in Bulldog career record book for Most 100+ Yard Receving Games with 7 in only 16 career games played, and he didn't have a catch in his first three.
*First time he touched a football this year, he returned a kickoff 91 yards for a TD against Clemson in the season opener. It was the first time since 1990 that a Bulldog returned a kickoff for a TD
*Team-high 188 all-purpose yards in 13-7 win at South Carolina including 6 rec. for 116 yards and 2 KO Ret. for 72 yards.
All-America Standout Jon Stinchcomb Anchors The Line
*A 6-6, 297-pound Senior native of Lilburn, Ga.
*Two-time Academic All-American, 2002 consensus preseason All-American
*Named one of six Division I-A recipients of the 2002 National Football Foundation Post-Graduate Scholarships. Will receive award at the Foundation's annual College Hall of Fame banquet in New York on Dec. 10.
*One of 12 Semifinalists for the 2002 Lombardi Award
*Jersey and picture on display at the College Football Hall of Fame as one of the 10 players to watch for this year's major awards. Exhibit titled "Race for the Pantheon"
*Ranks T8th in school history with Terrence Edwards for Most Career Bulldog starts with 41 (including bowl games).
*Missed the Kentucky game due to left knee surgery but returned as starter vs. Florida
Young Secondary Earning Their Stripes and Making Big Plays
Junior CB Bruce Thornton is the only returning player in Georgia's secondary of a year ago after the other three members were all NFL draft picks. Safety Terreal Bierria (4th Rd.) suits up for the Seattle Seahawks while rover Jermaine Phillips (5th Rd.) and cornerback Tim Wansley (7th Rd.) are with Tampa Bay. Thornton had a career-high 9 tackles against Florida plus forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
The 2002 secondary is ranked 9th in the SEC in pass defense (211.2 yards/game). Opponents have passed for 9 TDs while the Bulldog defense has 8 interceptions.
Five interceptions belong to the secondary including two by junior ROV Kentrell Curry, his latest a 78-yard return for a touchdown against New Mexico State. Curry had a career-high 12 tackles against Florida. Junior CB Decory Bryant has one interception, forced a fumble and has 5 pass breakups. Redshirt freshman FS Thomas Davis, who started at linebacker vs. Florida, has 2 fumble recoveries, ranks 8th on the team with 44 tackles and his interception against #22 Alabama secured the victory.
Sophomore FS Sean Jones ranks 4th on the team in tackles with 57 including a team-high 12 in the win over #10 Tennessee. Jones and Davis have each blocked a punt.
True freshman CB Tim Jennings has started the last three games and has seen action as a kickoff return. Against Kentucky, he had a career-high 7 tackles. He notched his first INT against Florida, and a 44-yard return off the INT set up a Georgia TD.
Freshmen Linemen in the Fire
True freshman linemen Darrius Swain has started at nose tackle in four games while true freshman Kedric Golston started the first three there before moving over to DT behind junior Johnathan Sullivan. Golston had a career-high six tackles and a fumble recovery in the win over #10 Tennessee. In less than a year's time, Golston went from a hospital bed with a severe leg injury to a big contributor for the Bulldogs.
Last September, he broke his right femur in an automobile accident. Post-operative complications followed, and he was in intensive care for almost two weeks. Then on Aug. 20, Coach Richt informed the 6-4, 285-pound freshman he had been promoted to first team nose-tackle. He started the first three games.In his debut against Clemson, Golston, who still has a rod and pin in his leg, collected four tackles (3 solo) and one for a loss of two yards. He was the first true freshman nose tackle to start since 1994 when Travis Stroud lined up against Northeast Louisiana in game three.
Meanwhile, Swain had a career-high 7 tackles (3 solo, 4 assist) and one QB pressure against New Mexico St and followed that with a seven-tackle effort against NW State plus notched his first interception. Against #22 Alabama, Swain had his first fumble recovery.
Pollack's Play Wreaks Havoc for Opponents
*A 6-3, 264-pound Sophomore native of Snellville, Ga.
*SEC leader with 10 Sacks for minus 60, 24 QB-Pressures, 15 Tackles for a Loss of 77,
*Tied 1st on team with 2 INTs; Ranks 3rd on team with 72 tackles, 7 Pass Breakups.
*His 10 Sacks is the most since 1993 when Mitch Davis set the Bulldog record with 13
*Team-high 14 tackles, 1 INT with a 39-yard return, 1 Sack, 3 QB-Pressures vs. Florida
*In win vs. Vanderbilt, in the first half only, Blocked a punt, made 7 Tackles, recorded 1 Sack
*In win over #10 Tennessee: 2 Sacks, 7 Tackles, Forced a fumble, 1 QB-Pressure
*In win over #22 Alabama: Blocked a field goal, 8 tackles, 1 sack, 8 QB-Pressures
*Collected 2 sacks, 3 tackles for a loss, forced a fumble, 6 tackles in win vs. New Mexico State
*Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week and CBS-TV Player of the Game in 13-7 win over South Carolina after 1 Interception Return for a TD, 1 Fumble Recovery at the Georgia 2-yard line, Career-high 14 tackles.
*With 12 seconds in the game and SC at the Georgia 2, forced QB to an early pitch and then the Gamecock fullback fumbled which the Bulldogs recovered to secure the victory.
*In win against Clemson: Tallied 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB-Pressures and 2 Pass Breakups...Saw action on offense as a fullback for the final plays including the clinching fourth-and-1 conversion from the Georgia 38 with 40 seconds left in the Bulldogs' 31-28 win.
*Signed with Georgia out of Shiloh High as a FB/DL and hoped to play offense during his career. After numerous injuries on the defensive line in 2001, he spent his first year with the defense.
*Spends about two periods each day in practice with the offense as a fullback.
Boss Bailey Playing Like an All-American
*A 6-3, 229-pound Senior native of Folkston, Ga.
*Semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Lombardi Award
*Current team leader in tackles with 84 (43 solo, 41 assist); Also 2 sacks
*Five games this year with 10+ tackles including 11 in win over #10 Tennessee and blocked a field goal attempt; Team-high 10 tackles in wins over Vanderbilt and at #22 Alabama
*Served as a team captain vs. Clemson, S. Carolina, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Florida
*Led team with a career-high 14 tackles in Georgia's 31-28 season-opening win over Clemson on Aug. 31., and he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He recorded 9 solo stops, 5 assists, registered 1 sack for a loss of 16 yards plus had 1QB hurry and 1 pass breakup. Bailey's sack in the fourth quarter helped set up Georgia's game-tying touchdown.
*Against USC, tied his career-high with a team-high 14 tackles
DID YOU KNOW?
Since 1995, a member or members of the Bailey family from Folkston, Ga., can be found on fall Saturdays playing for the Bulldogs. Boss Bailey is the younger brother of 1998 All-America defensive back Champ Bailey (1996-98). Champ was the No. 1 draft choice of the Washington Redskins in 1999. The oldest Bailey is Ronald, also a DB, who played for Georgia from 1995-97. Also, there's junior CB Kenny Bailey, a cousin of the Bailey trio. He played in seven games last year with 151 all-purpose yards as a RB before being moved to defense in the spring.
Steady Gilbert A Force In the Middle
*A 6-0, 244-pound Senior native of Macon, Ga.
*Aiming to become only the second Bulldog in history to lead the team in tackles three straight seasons (Ben Zambiasi 1975-77)
*Currently 2nd on the team with 74 tackles, trailing senior LB Boss Bailey (84)
*Served as a team captain in 8 games this season
*Has 13 career games with 10+plus tackles including 11 in road win over USC and 14 versus Florida
*Team-high 9 tackles, 0.5 sack in 52-24 road win over Kentucky
*Collected 9 tackles (4.5 for a loss) and 3 QB-Pressures in 27-25 road win over #22 Alabama
*Led Bulldogs with 8 tackles and 1 sack in win over New Mexico State
*Led Bulldogs with 8 solo stops and a sack in win over NW State
*Tallied only 4 tackles in season-opener versus Clemson due to right ankle injury that forced him to miss the second half
*Became eighth Bulldog in history to lead the team in tackles two straight seasons with 96 in 2000 and 99 in 2001. All eight have been linebackers. The others are Zambiasi (1975-77), Nate Taylor (1979-80), Tommy Thurson (1981-82), Knox Culpepper (1983-84), John Brantley (1986-87), Randall Godfrey (1992-93) and Greg Bright (1996-97).
Senior Linebackers Answer the Call at Alabama
Oct. 5, 2002: Seventh-ranked Georgia had led #22 Alabama all afternoon in Tuscaloosa, a place Georgia had never won in seven previous visits. Then Alabama's Charlie Prepah's 35-yard interception return for a TD gave Alabama a 25-24 lead with 8:24 remaining in the game. The Bulldogs failed to score on their next possession but pinned the Crimson Tide at their own 13-yard line. With 5:27 left, Bulldog head coach Mark Richt went to his two senior linebackers, Boss Bailey and Tony Gilbert, and told them it's in your hands, we need the football back. "Lead us." Georgia's defense stopped Alabama on three plays and following a 15-yard punt return by Damien Gary, Georgia had first and 10 at the Alabama 34. The Bulldogs advanced to the 15 and then Billy Bennett's 32-yard field goal gave Georgia a 27-25 win.
Gary Closing In On Bulldog Punt Return Records But Now Out Indefinitely Due to Acute Compartment Syndrome
Junior Damien Gary, who ranks 5th in the SEC and 14th nationally in punt return average at 15.2, is out indefinitely due to acute compartment syndrome in his left leg. Team doctor Robert Hancock performed emergency surgery on Gary at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens on Oct. 27. He has had two more surgies since, the third one by a plastic surgeon involving a skin graft to close the wound. Gary exhibited symptoms of leg pain, swelling, numbness and weakness in the lower leg. The muscles of the lower leg are contained within compartments composed of muscle fascia, a fibrous membrane. If a muscle is damaged, such as from a contusion or muscle tear, bleeding occurs, increasing pressure within the compartment, which is known as compartment syndrome. The increased pressure decreases blood flow and impairs nerve function. The capsule is opened surgically (a fasciotomy or compartment release).
Gary has 27 returns for 410 yards and 1 TD (a 71-yard return vs. New Mexico State). For his career, Gary ranks fourth in school history in punt return yards with 924. Gary becomes the latest key Bulldog performer to be sidelined as Georgia has had seven offensive players and one defensive player miss games this season due to injuries (chart on p. 14).
Damien Gary's Punt Return Totals
Year G Ret. Yds. Avg. TD LG
2000 11 27 226 8.4 0 20
2001 10 23 288 12.5 1 72TD
2002 8 27 410 *15.2 1 71TD *Currently 2nd best in school history
Totals 29 77 924 12.0 2 72TD behind Scott Woerner (15.7 in 1980)
Bulldog Punt Return Yards in a Season
1. 488 Scott Woerner (1980)
2. 464 Lamar Davis (1941)
3. 440 Jake Scott (1968)
4. 436 Buzy Rosenberg (1971)
5. 410 Damien Gary (2002)
Bulldog Career Punt Return Yards
1. 1,077 Scott Woerner (1977-80)
2. 1,014 Chuck Carswell (1988, 90-91)
3. 946 Buzy Rosenberg (1970-72)
4. 924 Damien Gary (2000-)
5. 787 Jimmy Harrell (1981-84)
Bennett Earning His Place Among Nation's Top Kickers
*A 5-8, 165-pound Junior native of Athens, Ga.
*2002 SEC leader in FG% at 82.4 (14-for-17); Scoring (Kickers Only) with 8.4 average (76 pts in 9 games), T1st in PAT% (34-for-34); Ranks 2nd in SEC Scoring Average Overall
*Has missed his last two FGs (one from 50), went 2-for-4 vs. Florida
*SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after scoring 10 points in win over #10 Tennessee with 3 FGs (27-, 44- and 47-yarder) and a PAT
*SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for game vs. #22 Alabama: Drilled game-winning 32-yard FG with 38 seconds left in 27-25 road win, Georgia's first-ever victory in Tuscaloosa in 8 trips. Scored 9 points.
*Nailed game-winning 43-yard FG with 5:19 left in 31-28 season-opening win over Clemson
*Owns Career FG% of 79% (44-for-56) including 14-for-16 from 40-49 range and 98% on PATs (92-for-94)
*Made 92% of FG in the 4th quarter or later in his career (12-for-13), 4-for-4 as a freshman in 2000, 4-for-5 as a sophomore in 2001 and 4-for-4 in 2002
Career Highlights Include...
*Set Georgia record and tied SEC mark making 6 FGs in the 31-17 win at #21 Ga. Tech in 2001, the 19 points was also a Bulldog record for a kicker and ranked in a tie for 2nd in SEC history
*Drilled a career-best 55-yarder in 34-23 win over Arkansas in 2001, the longest by a Bulldog since 1984 when Kevin Butler made a 57-yarder vs. Ga. Tech
Billy Bennett's Career Fourth-Quarter Field Goals (12-for-13)
2000 (4-for-4)
Vanderbilt 30-yarder. Leading 26-19 at the 12:48 mark Georgia wins 29-19
@#22 Auburn 19-yarder. Trailing 23-20 with 41 seconds left Forces OT
*OT: 25-yarder. Takes 26-23 lead, Auburn get a TD to win 29-26
Ole Miss 49-yarder. Leading 29-14 at the 10:40 mark Georgia wins 32-14
2001 (4-for-5)
#21 S.C. 27-yarder. Trailing 7-6 at the 3:17 mark S.C. answers, wins 14-9
@#6 Tennessee 31-yarder. Trailing 17-14 at 5:44 mark Georgia wins 26-24
#6 Florida (Jax.) 31-yarder. Trailing 17-10 at 14:54 mark No Good. Florida wins 24-10
#24 Auburn 43-yarder. Trailing 17-14 at 8:28 mark Auburn wins 24-17
@ #21 Ga. Tech 45-yarder. Leading 28-17 at 6:56 mark Georgia wins 31-17
2002 (4-for-4)
Clemson 43-yarder. Game tied 28 all at the 5:19 mark Georgia wins 31-28
@ S.C. 25-yarder. Leading 10-7 at the 2:54 mark Georgia wins 13-7
@#22 Alabama 32-yarder. Trailing 25-24 with 38 seconds left Georgia wins 27-25
@Kentucky 26-yarder. Leading 42-24 at the 9:17 mark Georgia wins 52-24
SANFORD STADIUM SELLOUTS CONTINUE IN 2002, PLAN TO INCREASE CAPACITY NEXT SEASON TO 91,780 APPROVED
Georgia's average home football attendance of 86,520 ranked sixth best in the country for the 2001 season according to NCAA statistics. All 2002 games are sold out as well.
*Georgia sold out all six home games in 2001.
*Sixth-place finish marks the 15th time in the last 20 years that Georgia has ranked among the nation's top six teams in average home attendance.
*The 19th time in the last 20 years the Bulldogs have finished among the top seven teams.
*On Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, a proposal to add 5,260 seats to Sanford Stadium was approved by the University of Georgia Athletic Board of Directors at its regular quarterly meeting in Athens.
*Seats to be added in one location above the existing North side upper deck. Also, plan would provide space for up to 27 private club boxes which could come later in subsequent phases of the project.
*Estimated cost of the expansion is $21 million and is part of a $32 million project approved by the Board for facility construction and improvements.
*Also included are construction of a $2 million "All-American Club," a private club area on the second level of the east end of the stadium; $2 million stadium press box renovation; $2 million renovation of the football locker room area at the Butts-Mehre Building; $750,000 for construction of a football "Hall of Fame" on the second level of the Butts-Mehre Building; and $4.2 million for improvements to the women's softball complex.
Inside the Red Zone
Inside 20 TD% Score% TD (Rush/Pass) FG *No Points
UGA 42 times 54% 76% 23 (8R, 15P) 9 9 (3TO, 3MFG, 2C, 1D)
Opp. 24 times 42% 54% 10 (6R, 4P) 3 11(4TO, 4MFG, 1D, 1BFG,1P)
Inside 10 TD% Score% TD (Rush/Pass) FG *No Points
UGA 21 times 57% 95% 12 (4R, 8P) 8 1 (1TO)
Opp. 17 times 59% 65% 10 (6R, 4P) 1 6 (3TO, 1D, 1 MFG,1BFG)
*No Points due to: BFG=Blocked FG; MFG=Missed FG; TO=Turnover; D=Downs; C=Clock Exp.
Georgia leads the SEC in Red Zone Defense with opponents scoring just 54.2 percent of the time.
In Red Zone Offense, the Bulldogs rank 8th in the SEC, scoring 76.2 percent of the time: A look at Georgia's Red Zone Offense:
Vs. Clemson, UGA was 2-for-2 (2TDs); Vs. South Carolina, UGA was 2-for-3 (2 FGs, 1 Fumble);
Vs. Northwestern St., UGA was 5-for-8 (5 TDs, 1 INT, 1 Fumble, 1 Let Clock Exp.);
Vs. New Mexico St., UGA was 4-for-5 (4 TDs, 1 MFG);
Vs. Alabama, UGA was 3-for-3 (2 FGs, 1 TD); Vs. Tennessee, UGA was 2-for-3 (FG, TD, 1 Let Clock Exp.);
Vs. Vanderbilt, UGA was 6-for-7 (4 TDs, 2 FGs, 1D); Vs. Kentucky UGA was 6-for-6 (5 TDs, 1 FG)
Vs. Florida, UGA was 2-for-4 (1 TD, 1 FG, 2 MFG)
Slow Starts for Offense, But Solid Starts By Bulldog Defense
Through nine games, Georgia has scored on its first possession just three times, however opponents have not scored at all on the Bulldog defense (7 punts while Vanderbilt missed a 37-yard field goal and Florida threw an interception). While they have not always taken the football, Georgia has won the coin toss eight times this season. The only game Georgia lost the toss was against Florida who deferred.
The best start by the Bulldog offense this season was against Vanderbilt when it scored on its first eight possessions (6 TDs, 2 FGs). No Bulldog team had ever done that in records dating back to 1954.
Georgia's defense has blanked the opponents 3 times in the first half (South Carolina, Northwestern State, Tennessee) and once in the second half (Kentucky).
Georgia Holds Slight Edge in Points off Turnovers
Georgia has scored 44 points off 18 turnovers while opponents have 35 points off 18 Bulldog turnovers. With big leads this season, Georgia has run out the clock three times and turned it over on downs once after recovering turnovers.
Clemson: Georgia got a TD off 1 TO; Tigers converted 3 Bulldog TO into 2 TDs.
USC: Georgia got a TD off 4 TO; Gamecocks got no points off 2 Bulldog TO
NW State: Georgia got no points off 3 TO; Demons got no points off 3 Bulldog TO
N.M. State: Georgia got 2 TDs off 2TO; Aggies got a TD off 2 Bulldog TO
Alabama: Georgia got a FG off 2 TO; Alabama got a TD off 3 Bulldog TO
Tennessee: Georgia got a FG off 1 TO; Tennessee got no points off 1 Bulldog TO
Vanderbilt: Georgia got no points off 1 TO; Georgia had no TO
Kentucky: No turnovers Wildcats got no points off 1 Bulldog TO
Florida: Georgia got a TD and FG off 4 TO; Gators got a TD off 3 Bulldog TO
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