University of Georgia Athletics
SEC Championship Notes: Georgia vs. Arkansas
December 02, 2002 | Football
Dec. 2, 2002
Complete SEC Championship Game Notes (in PDF Format)
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2002 GEORGIA BULLDOG FOOTBALL
No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1, 7-1)
vs. No. 22 Arkansas (9-3, 5-3)
Date: Dec. 7, 6 pm ET
Site: Atlanta, Ga.
Stadium: Georgia Dome (71,500)
Local Radio: Georgia Radio Network (WNGC-FM 106.1 Athens, 750 AM Atlanta) Larry Munson, Scott Howard, Loran Smith, Neil Williamson
National Radio: Westwood One (Chuck Cooperstein and Tom Walsh)
National Television: CBS-TV (Verne Lundquist, Todd Blackledge and Jill Arrington)
TV Replay: CSS-TV (Tues. @ 8 pm in Athens on Ch. 95; Wed. @ 8 pm in Atlanta on Ch. 33)
Fox Sports Net Has Blanket Coverage Every Night in Advance of SEC Title Game
Send a "Georgia-Arkansas" e-card
SEC Championship Game To Be Televised at Stegeman
UGA Alumni and Athletic Association Host SEC Pregame Party
BCS Standings (Georgia - # 3)
2002 Depth Chart
2002 Georgia Schedule
Up Close: UGA VI
Georgia in the Polls
Georgia's NFL Bulldogs
Georgia Story Lines This Week
*Georgia's defense continues its stellar play, ranking 2nd in the SEC and 10th nationally in Scoring Defense at 16.3 points allowed a game. The Bulldogs lead the SEC in Red Zone Defense with opponents scoring just 58 percent of the time.
*The Bulldogs aim to become only the second team in school history to record 12 wins in a season. Georgia's only other team to post at 12 wins came in the 1980 national championship season when the Bulldogs went undefeated at 12-0. At 11-1, Georgia is enjoying its best year since 1982 when the Bulldogs last captured the SEC. They entered the Sugar Bowl 11-0 and ranked number one but fell to second-ranked Penn State 27-23.
*Georgia's Record On Artificial Turf is 31-19-3 including 1-1 in the Georgia Dome coming in two Peach Bowl appearances (1995 and 1998). In 1995, Virginia defeated Georgia 34-27 while in 1998, the Bulldogs rallied back to defeat the Cavaliers 35-34 after trailing 21-0. This will be Georgia's first appearance in the SEC Championship game.
Georgia-Arkansas Series
Georgia leads the series 5-3 including a 34-23 victory in Athens last season. The first four meetings came in different bowl games.
Fast Facts From the Eight Meetings
1969: Eight turnovers including five fumbles doomed the fourth-ranked and SEC-champion Georgia as it managed only a safety in a loss to the ninth-ranked Southwest Conference champion Razorbacks.
1976: No. 12 Georgia built an early 10-0 lead but two fumbles in the final two minutes of the opening half helped the #18 Razorbacks tie the contest. The teams played a scoreless third quarter before UA exploded for 21 points in the final quarter for the victory.
1987: Freshman place-kicker John Kasay booted a 39-yard field goal as time expired to rally No. 15 Georgia to a 20-17 comeback win. The victory gave the Bulldogs their first nine-win season since 1983.
1991: No. 24 Georgia completed the 1991 phase of "Operation Turnaround" by beating UA 24-15. Eric Zeier directed the Bulldog offense, throwing for 228 yards and 2 TDs. The Bulldog defense forced six turnovers including five interceptions.
1992: No. 18 Georgia spoiled Arkansas' Homecoming and its first SEC home game by posting a 27-3 victory. Bulldog scatback Garrison Hearst ran for 144 yards and 2 TDs on 19 carries. The Georgia defense held its opponent without a TD for the second straight game.
1993: Arkansas scored 13 points in the final quarter including a 15-yard TD scamper by QB Barry Lunney to hand Georgia a 20-10 loss at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs led 10-7 at the half but eventually dropped to 1-4 overall and their first-ever 0-4 SEC start.
2000: No. 25 Georgia snapped Arkansas' 16-game home winning streak with a dominating 38-7 victory. Jamie Henderson's 35-yard interception return for a touchdown on Arkansas's first play set the tone for the Bulldogs. The Georgia defense held UA to one first down through the first 28 minutes of the game.
2001: After a three-week layoff due to the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., along with a scheduled open date, the Bulldogs were able to overcome 122 yards in penalties to post a 34-23 win. David Greene (20-for-37, 298 yards, 2 TDs) set career highs for attempts and yards passing to lead the offense while Musa Smith carried the football 25 times for 95 yards and 1 TD. The teams combined for 27 penalties, the most in a Georgia game in available records dating back to 1964. Arkansas had 14 for 97 yards while Georgia had 13 for 122 yards. Arkansas' Marvin Jackson tied the game at 20-20 in the third quarter with a 74-yard punt return. Georgia's Billy Bennett made a career-long 55-yard field goal.
2002 Georgia Schedule
National Ranking: #4 AP, #4 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 % #22 Florida (ESPN) L, 20-13
Nov. 9 Ole Miss (ESPN2) W, 31-17
Nov. 16 @ #24 Auburn (CBS) W, 24-21
Nov. 30 Georgia Tech (CBS) W, 51-7
Dec. 7 *#22 Arkansas (CBS) 6 p.m.
%Jacksonville, Fla.; *SEC Championship Game, Atlanta
Did You Know?
Georgia is 2-6 in domed stadiums including 1-1 in the Georgia Dome. The SEC Championship game in the Georgia Dome will be Georgia's seventh appearance on CBS this season, a new record for the Bulldogs. The previous high for Georgia was five games on ABC in 1992 and five on ESPN/ESPN2 in 1994,1999 and 2000.
Georgia Quick Facts
Website: www.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): 19-5 (2nd)
Overall Record (Years): 19-5 (2nd)
2002 Team Record (SEC): 11-1 (7-1)
Arkansas Quick Facts
Website: www.hogwired.com
National Ranking: #22 AP, #22 Coaches
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.
Colors: Cardinal & White
Nickname: Razorbacks
Enrollment: 15,795
Conference: SEC
Home Field: Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
Athletic Director: Frank Broyles
Head Coach: Houston Nutt
Alma Mater: Oklahoma State ('81)
Record at School (Years): 39-21 (5th)
Overall Rec. (Years): 75-43 (10th)
2002 Team Record (SEC): 9-3 (5-3)
Georgia vs. Arkansas
Year--Result--Where
1969--Arkansas 16-2--Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, La.
1976--Arkansas 31-10--Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas
1987--Georgia 20-17--Liberty Bowl, Memphis, Tenn.
1991--Georgia 24-15--Independence Bowl, Shreveport, La.
1992--Georgia 27-3--Fayetteville, Ark.
1993--Arkansas 20-10--Athens, Ga.
2000--Georgia 38-7--Fayetteville, Ark.
2001--Georgia 34-23--Athens, Ga.
Record at Neutral Sites: 2-2
Biggest Win: 31 (38-7 in 2000); Biggest Loss: 21 (31-10 in 1976)
No Place Like Dome
In its history, Georgia is 2-6 in games played in domed stadiums.
Nov. 4, 1967 Houston d. Georgia 15-14 (Astrodome)
Jan. 1, 1977: Sugar Bowl Pittsburgh d. Georgia 27-23 (Superdome)
Dec. 31, 1978: Bluebonnet Bowl Stanford d. Georgia 25-22 (Astrodome)
*Jan. 1, 1981: Sugar Bowl
Georgia d. Notre Dame 17-10 (Superdome)
*Bulldogs Win National Championship
Jan. 1, 1982: Sugar Bowl Pittsburgh d. Georgia 24-20 (Superdome)
Jan. 1, 1983: Sugar Bowl Penn State d. Georgia 27-23 (Superdome)
Dec. 30, 1995: Peach Bowl Virginia d. Georgia 34-27 (Ga. Dome)
Dec. 31, 1998: Peach Bowl Georgia d. Virginia 35-34 (Ga. Dome)
Georgia played its first indoor game in school history on Nov. 4, 1967 in Houston, Texas before a crowd of 53,356. The Bulldogs left on a Thursday so they could practice twice in the Astrodome to get adusted to the artificial turf and the lighting. The Bulldogs wore special footwear ? soccer shoes with cleats that are much shorter than football shoes.
Georgia took a 14-0 lead to the fourth quarter before the Cougars rallied behind the running of Paul Gipson who tallied 229 yards on the day. The Cougars, led by Hall of Fame coach Bill Yeoman and his innovative veer offense, collected 405 yards that day. However, they had seven fumbles (lost five) and threw two interceptions that kept them off the scoreboard until the final period.
Georgia Leaders
Rushing
Musa Smith: 218 for 1073 yds, 6 TDs, LG 32
Passing
David Greene: 192x336, 2599 yds, 21TDs, 8 INTs, 137.98 Effic. Rating
Receiving
Terrence Edwards: 49 for 852 yards, 10 TDs; Fred Gibson: 36 for 653 yards, 4 TDs
Punting
Jonathan Kilgo: 57 punts, 41.7 avg., LG66
Kicking
Billy Bennett: 19x25 FGs,LG 47,47x47 PATs
Tackles
Boss Bailey: 103 tackles (57S, 46A)
Arkansas Leaders
Rushing
Fred Talley: 166 for 1,035 yds, 2TDs, LG80
Passing
Matt Jones: 101x193, 1,413 yds, 15 TDs,
6 INTs, 133.26 Effic. Rating
Receiving
George Wilson: 40 for 505 yds, 6 TDs;
Punting
Richie Butler: 57 punts, 39.6 avg., LG 79
Kicking
David Carlton: 11x15 FGs, LG 47; 26x27 PATs; Brennan O?Donohoe: 6x9 FGs,LG45,14x14 PATs
Tackles
Ken Hamlin: 137 tackles (84S, 53A)
INSIDE THE NUMBERS...Bulldogs in the SEC
Several Bulldogs rank among the top three in the SEC in the following categories:
Rushing Yards/Game: Musa Smith, 2nd, 97.5
Receving Yards/Game: Terrence Edwards, 2nd, 77.5; Fred Gibson, 3rd, 65.3
Passing Eff.: David Greene, 1st, 138.0; Passing Avg: Greene, 3rd, 211.4
Scoring: Billy Bennett, 1st overall and 1st among Kickers, 104 (8.6 Pts/g)
FG : Billy Bennett,1st (19-25/1.58 G); FG Pct: 2nd, 76.0% (19-of-25)
PAT Kicking PCT: Billy Bennett: T1st (100%) at 47-for-47
(SEC Defensive Stat Rankings Updated on Tuesday)
Sacks: David Pollack, 1st in SEC and T8th nationally, 12;
(Georgia's 35 ranks 2nd in SEC)
Tackles for Losses: David Pollack, 1st, 20; Johnathan Sullivan, 2nd, 15.5
QB-Pressures: David Pollack, 1st with 30; Johnathan Sullivan, 2nd, 29;
TEAM RANKING IN THE SEC
GEORGIA
Category: Ranking (Avg.)
Scoring Offense: 1st (32.8) and 21st nationally
Scoring Defense: 2nd (16.3) and 10th nationally
Pass Offense: 3rd (254.4)
Pass Defense: 9th (202.7)
Rushing Offense: 9th (139.9)
Rushing Defense: 3rd (118.0)
Total Offense: 4th (394.3)
Total Defense: 5th (320.7)
Kickoff Returns: 7th (20.3)
Punt Returns: 1st (16.2) and 5th nationally
Net Punting: 6th (36.1)
Turnover Margin: 5th (+6)
Time of Possession: 11th (28:53)
Kickoff Coverage: 4th (18.2)
ARKANSAS
Category: Ranking (Avg.)
Scoring Offense: 4th (29.4)
Scoring Defense: 5th (18.2)
Pass Offense: 12th (133.6)
Pass Defense: 12th (330.0)
Rushing Offense: 1st (243.3), 8th nationally
Rushing Defense: 2nd (108.2), 18th nationally
Total Offense: 5th (376.9)
Total Defense: 8th (338.2)
Kickoff Returns: 5th (22.3)
Punt Returns: 4th (12.2)
v Net Punting: 10th (33.0)
Turnover Margin: 1st (+21) and T2nd nationally
Time of Possession: 6th (29.37)
Kickoff Coverage: 1st (16.4)
DAVID GREENE: Game-By-Game
2001 Opponent Cmp-Att-Int-TD Yds. LG Res.
Ark. St. 21-29-0-2 285 28 W #21 S. Carolina 21-33-1-0 169 24 L Arkansas 20-37-1-2 298 33 W @#6 Tennessee 21-34-1-2 303 55 W @Vanderbilt 19-26-0-2 305 58TD W Kentucky 22-36-1-3 364 68TD W #6Florida (Jax.) 25-42-1-0 258 40 L #24Auburn 15-32-1-2 294 67TD L @Ole Miss 8-14-2-1 93 44 W @#21 Ga.Tech 11-24-0-0 210 50 W Houston 9-17-1-3 210 49 W 2001 Totals 192-324-9-17 2,789 68TD *Boston College 22-38-2-1 288 38 L *Bowl game 2002 Opponent Cmp-Att-Int-TD Yds. LG Res. Clemson 12-21-1-1 67 15 W @S. Carolina 11-19-0-0 169 52 W NW State 26-43-1-4 346 46 W New Mex. St. 19-34-1-2 207 27 W @#22 Alabama 15-27-2-2 224 42TD W #10 Tennessee 22-37-1-1 232 23 W Vanderbilt 20-23-0-2 319 65TD W @ Kentucky 16-32-0-4 251 41TD W #22 Florida (Jax) 11-29-0-1 141 31 L Ole Miss 12-22-1-2 206 53 W @ #24 Auburn 18-35-1-1 232 41 W Ga. Tech 10-14-0-1 205 49TD W 2002 Totals 192-336-8-21 2,599 65TD Career Totals: 384-660-17-38 5,388 68TD
Career-Highs
Attempts Completions Yards 43 (NWS?02) 26 (NWS?02) 364 (UK?01) TDs LG INTs 4 (UK/NWS?02) 68TD (UK?01) 2 (3 times)
Georgia Records
TD Passes in a Season Career TD Passes 1. 24 Eric Zeier 1993 1. 67, Zeier (91-94) 2. 24 Eric Zeier 1994 T2. 38, Greene (01- 3. 21 David Greene 2002 T2. 38, Bobo (94-97) 4. 19 Mike Bobo 1997
Greene Directs Bulldogs to a 11-1 Mark
*A 6-3, 227-pound Redshirt-Sophomore native of Snellville, Ga.
*Career Record of 19-5 as Georgia starter including 8-0 on opponent's home field, winning @ #6 Tennessee, #21 Ga. Tech, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt in 2001; @ #22 Alabama, #24 Auburn, South Carolina and Kentucky in 2002; Led Bulldogs to 2002 SEC Eastern Division title
*SEC Leader and 19th nationally in Passing Efficiency (138.0), 3rd in SEC in Total Offense (211.4) and Passing Avg./Game (216.6)
*Five 4th quarter comebacks (Clemson, @#22 Alabama, @#24 Auburn in 2002; @#6 Tenn., Kentucky in 2001)
*21 TD Passes this year ranks T2nd most in Bulldog history for a season
*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.
Smith Reaches 1,000-Yard Plateau, 1st Bulldog since 1992
*A 6-2, 226-pound Junior native of Elliottsburg, Penn.
*Gained 1,073 yards on 218 carries in 11 games; First Bulldog to reach 200+ carries and 1,000 yards in a season since Garrison Hearst in 1992
*Ranks 2nd in the SEC in Rushing with 97.5 Avg./Game
*7 games this year 100+ yards rushing including four of last 5 games
*20 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD in 51-7 win over Ga. Tech
*Clutch 32-yard gain on 2nd and 19 at the Georgia 2 late in the 3rd quarter vs. Auburn with Georgia trailing 21-10. The Bulldogs went on to score a TD on that drive and the comeback was on.
*Gained 248 yards on 59 carries in a two-games stretch vs. Florida and Ole Miss including 148 yards on Career-High 37 carries vs. the Rebels
*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 broke his 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 and one of only 2 this season (AU's Tre Smith) to rush for more than 100 yards against #22 Alabama this year, Had 21 carries for 126 yards and 1 TD in win at Alabama
*12 carries for 79 yards and 2 TDs plus 2 rec. for 14 yards in win over New Mexico State
*Then 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 11/11 218 1073 6 32 13 108 0 26 Totals 29/18 412 1921 17 49 25 188 0 26
Gibson A Threat At Wideout And As a Kickoff Returner
*A 6-4, 190-pound Sophomore native of Waycross, Ga.
On the Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"
*36 receptions for 653 yards, 4 TDs, 1,054 all-purpose yards but missed Kentucky and Florida games due to a thumb injury (surgery to repair ligament tear on Oct. 22) that happened vs. Vanderbilt
*Ranks 4th in SEC and 18th nationally with 25.4 Kick Return Avg. (16 returns for 407 yards, 1 TD)
*Ranks 3rd in the SEC in Receiving Yards/Game at 65.3
*4 Rec. for 97 yds, 1 TD and 3 KO Ret. for 95 yards vs. Ole Miss after missing two games due to thumb injury;
*2nd in Bulldog career record book for Most 100+ Yard Receving Games with 7 in only 18 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.
Milton Provides A Change of Pace In the Backfield
*A 5-10, 200-pound RS-Freshman native of Tallahasse, Fla.
*Appeared in all 12 games this season with 69 rushes for 295 yards; 8 Rec. for 25 yards
*Had one of Georgia's biggest carries of the season, picking up 25 yards on a 4th and 2 play at the Tennessee 35 late in the fourth quarter that clinched Georgia's 18-13 win over #10 Tennessee
*Career-high 18 carries for 78 yards in first career start, coming in 52-24 road win over Kentucky
*A 1998 graduate of North Florida Christian School in Tallahassee, originally signed with Syracuse but as a partial-qualifier opted not to attend and worked for two years. At one point, worked at a hotel as a caterer and lived out of his car before moving in with his former prep coach Scott Queen who helped persuade Coach Richt to give Milton a second chance.
*Signed with Georgia but was redshirted in 2001 after a series of setbacks including pulled hamstring, shoulder surgery and stress fracture in his left leg. Coach Richt on Milton: "He has the chance of being a tremendous success story...he really wants to get a degree...he wants to be somebody."
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 to 2002 Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-American All-District team, now on national ballot *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.
*Recovered a fumble in the endzone for a TD vs. Auburn; 1st Bulldog Offensive lineman to score since 1985 (Peter Anderson vs. Clemson in Georgia's 20-13 win at Clemson)
*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 6th in school history for Most Career Bulldog starts with 44 (including bowl games).
*Missed the Kentucky game due to left knee surgery but returned as a starter vs. Florida
Shockley Ready for Action
*A 6-1, 190-pound Redshirt-Freshman native of College Park, Ga.
D.J. Shockley saw his most playing time since the Kentucky game this past Saturday against Ga. Tech. He went 5-for-8 for 86 yards, rushed six times for 20 yards including a nifty 10-yard TD.
Georgia had experimented with playing two quarterbacks in its first two games, however sophomore David Greene saw a majority of the action after Shockley broke a bone in his left foot against South Carolina. Shockley missed the next four games before returning against Vanderbilt on Oct. 19. He showcased his talents in extended play against Kentucky, setting 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. Then, he played sparingly against Florida, Ole Miss and Auburn, combining for just 19 plays in that span. During that stretch, he was 4-for-9 for 26 yards, no TDs, 1 INT plus 7 rushes for 19 yards.
On the year, Shockley has appeared in 8 games and is 29-for-47 with 358 yards passing and 4 TDs plus 2 INTs. Also, he has 32 rushes for 108 yards and 2 TDs. Senior QB Cory Phillips, who has appeared in 17 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, Ga. Tech and all three played in the Vanderbilt game. Phillips is 6-for-10 with 92 yards passing and one TD.
Johnson Posts Career Game vs. AU, Earns SEC Honor
*A 6-3, 213-pound Junior native of Tulsa, Okla.
*Earned the SEC Offensive Player of the Week honor after a career day in Georgia's 24-21 win at 24th-ranked Auburn. Career-high 13 receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown. The 19-yard TD catch ranks as one of the biggest in school history as it clinched the SEC's Eastern Division title outright, the first for the Bulldogs since the league split into divisions in 1992. The TD reception came on a fourth and 15 play with 1:25 remaining and Georgia trailing 21-17. Coming into the game, Johnson's season totals were 11 catches for 130 yards and one TD. For the Auburn game, the Bulldogs were without two of their top wideouts in senior Terrence Edwards and junior Damien Gary who were both injured.
Edwards Returns, Closing in on SEC Records
*A 6-0, 171-pound Senior native of Tennille, Ga.
*Currently ranks 3rd in SEC History for Career Rec. (194), Rec. Yards (2,941) and 2nd in TDs *Left Shoulder Injury in 4th quarter vs. Ole Miss forced him to miss Auburn game, returned to play in regular season finale vs. Ga. Tech and made 2 catches for 48 yards
*Team-high 49 Rec. for 852 yards and school-record 10 TDs
*Ranks 2nd in SEC in Rec. Yards/G(77.5) and 3rd in Rec./G (4.5)
*Owns 4 Georgia Career Receiving Records: Receptions (194), Receiving Yards (2,941), TD Receptions (29) and Most Games with 100 Yards Receiving (10).
*Set record for Most TD Catches in a Season with 10 this year
*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 45 of 46 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)...SEC Player of the Week for performance in road win over Kentucky
SEC Record for Career Receptions SEC Record for Career TD Receptions 1. 208 Craig Yeast, UK (1995-98) 1. 31 Chris Doering, UF (1992-95) 2. 200 Keith Edwards, VU (1980,82-84) T2. 29 Terrence Edwards (1999-curr.) T3. 194 Terrence Edwards, UGA (1999-curr.) T2. 29 Terry Beasley, AU (1969-71) T3. 194 Anthony White, UK (1996-1999) T2. 29 Ike Hilliard, UF (1994-96) T2. 29 Jack Jackson, UF (1992-94) SEC Record for Career Rec. Yards 1. 3,001 Josh Reed, LSU (1999-2001) 2. 2,964 Boo Mitchell, Vandy (1985-88) 3. 2,941 Terrence Edwards, UGA (1999-curr).
The Bite to Go With The Bark
Despite losing six players to the NFL, the Georgia defense has played a huge role in the success of the Bulldogs this year.
*1st in SEC in Red Zone Defense (58.1%)
*2nd in SEC and 10th nationally in Scoring Defense (16.3 pts/g)
*3rd in SEC in Rushing Defense (118.0)
*9th in SEC in Passing Defense (202.7)
*5th in SEC in Total Defense (320.7)
Sullivan Turning Up the Heat in the Middle of the Line
While most of the media and fans have heard of the play of senior linebackers Boss Bailey and Tony Gilbert along with sophomore defensive end David Pollack, one Bulldog who is having a big year is junior DT Johnathan Sullivan. The 6-3, 299-pound native of Griffin, Ga., is drawing his share of double teams. He is 2nd in the SEC behind teammate David Pollack with 29 QB-Pressures and ranks 5th on the team in tackles with 69, has 15.5 tackles for a loss of 53 and 3 sacks for minus 17.
Against Kentucky, Sullivan tallied 4 QB-Pressures, had 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss of 14 and made 6 tackles. Against Florida, he had a career-high 10 tackles including eight solo stops.
Bulldog Defense Making The Adjustments
Below is a weekly look at this season's offensive and defensive performances by the Bulldogs and their opponent each week in the first half and in the second half. In the last five games, Georgia's defense has allowed just 21 points in the second half.
Georgia Bulldogs Opponents Total Offense (Pts.) Total Offense (Pts.) 1st Half 2nd Half 1st Half 2nd Half CU 92 (#21) 111 (10) 157 (14) 76 (*14) USC 190 (3) 107 (*10) 119 (0) 252 (7) NW 320 (#31) 216 (14) 65 (0) 201 (7) NMS 225 (#34) 74 (*7) 126 (7) 149 (3) ALA 198 (14) 187 (13) 178 (9) 128 (*16) UT 150 (^8) 144 (10) 134 (0) 210 (13) VU 362 (31) 244 (17) 237 (10) 155 (7) UK 251 (21) 278 (31) 271 (24) 101 (0) UF 162 (13) 132 (0) 217 (*12) 164 (8) OM 228 (*21) 174 (10) 217 (17) 66 (0) AU 63 (3) 272 (21) 233 (14) 99 (7) GT 294 (34) 258 (17) 146 (0) 147 (7) TOTAL 2,535 (234) 2,197 (160) 2,100 (107) 1,748 (89)
Note: Point Totals Include #Special Teams TD; *Defensive TD; ^Safety
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.
The 2002 secondary is ranked 9th in the SEC in pass defense (202.7 yards/game). Opponents have passed for 12 TDs while the Bulldog defense has 14 interceptions. Eleven interceptions belong to the secondary. Here is a look at some of their big plays this year.
Junior CB Bruce Thornton
*1st Career Interception, A TD-saving pass breakup, 3 tackles vs. Ole Miss
*Career-high 9 tackles plus forced a fumble and recovered a fumble vs. #22 Florida
*Picked up a blocked punt and returned it 12 yards for a TD vs. Northwestern State
Junior ROV Kentrell Curry
*Tied for team-lead with 3 INTs (139 yds), 1 for TD
*Team-high 9 tackles vs. Ole Miss
*Career-high 12 tackles against #22 Florida.
*78-yard INT Return for a TD vs. New Mexico St.
RS-Freshman FS/LB Thomas Davis
*Started at SLB vs. #22 Florida & Ole Miss, 2 starts at FS to begin the year, Back to FS now
*2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Fumble Return
*Interception at #22 Alabama secured the win
*Blocked a punt vs. New Mexico State
Sophomore FS Sean Jones
*Punt Returner last 4 games, 10 for 160 yards
*2 INTs for 58 yards, 1 Fumble Ret. for 11 yards, team-high 11 tackles plus 4 Punt Ret. for 75 yds in win over #24 Auburn; Earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honor for Auburn game
*Team-high 12 stops in the win over #10Tennessee
*Blocked a punt vs. NW State, led to a TD
True Freshman CB Tim Jennings
*Started three games (VU, UK, UF)
*Tied for Team-Lead with 3 INT, 109 Ret. Yards
*5 KO Returns for 97 yards
*Career-high 7 tackles vs UK
*First INT against #22 Florida, and a 44-yard return
*64-yard INT Return for a TD vs. Ole Miss
Pollack A Finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy
*A 6-3, 264-pound Sophomore native of Snellville, Ga.
*SEC Leader and 7th Nationally with 12 Sacks for minus 77; Also SEC-leading 30 QB-Pressures, 20 Tackles for a Loss of 104; Also has 2 INTs including one for a TD
*Ranks 3rd on team with 92 tackles, 7 Pass Breakups; Served as Team Def. Captain vs. Ole Miss
*His 12 Sacks is the most since 1993 when Mitch Davis set the Bulldog record with 13
*Team-high 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 QB-Pressures in win vs. #24 Auburn
*Team-high 14 tackles, 1 INT with a 39-yard return, 1 Sack, 3 QB-Pressures vs. #22 Florida
*In win vs. Vanderbilt, in the first half only, Blocked a punt, 7 Tackles, 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 SC after 1 INT 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 Having All-American Year
*A 6-3, 229-pound Senior native of Folkston, Ga.
*Semifinalist for the Butkus Award and Lombardi Award
*Team leader in tackles with 103 (57 solo, 46 assist), first Bulldog since 1998 (Orantes Grant 120) to have 100 tackles in a season; Blocked 3 Field Goals (Tenn., Ole Miss and Ga. Tech)
*5 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; Blocked a field goal vs. Ole Miss, 8 tackles in 1st half
*Served as a team captain vs. Clemson, S. Carolina, Alabama, Vandy, Florida and Auburn
*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. 9 solo stops, 5 assists, registered 1 sack (-16) coming in the fourth quarter that 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), 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.
Steady Gilbert A Force In the Middle
*A 6-0, 244-pound Senior native of Macon, Ga.
*2nd on the team with 96 tackles, trailing senior LB Boss Bailey (103); Team captain in 10 games
*14 career games with 10+plus tackles including 11 in road win vs. USC; 14 vs. #22 Florida and 10 vs. #24 Auburn; 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
*Team-high 8 tackles, 1 sack vs. New Mex St.; Team-high 8 solo stop and sack vs. NW State
*Only 4 tackles in season-opener vs. Clemson due to Ankle injury and missed 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).
True Freshmen Draw Starting Assignments
True freshman linemen Darrius Swain has 4 starts at nose tackle; Kedric Golston started the first 3 at NT; CB Tim Jennings has 3 starts while linebacker Tony Taylor was the latest rookie to start, coming vs. Ga. Tech. For the year, Taylor leads the rookie bunch with 35 tackles while Swain has 33, Golston 30 and Jennings 27. Golston's journey has been special. 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. He had a big game with a career-high six tackles and a fumble recovery in the win over #10 Tennessee.
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 and had another one against Florida.
Georgia Blocks This Season: 4 Punts and 4 Field Goals
This season, Georgia's Special Teams have provided 3 Touchdowns, 4 Blocked Field Goals and 4 Blocked Punts. Boss Bailey, owner of a Bulldog record 46-inch vertical leap, has blocked three field goals. The 1999 squad was the last team to have a penchant for blocks, getting 3 field goals and 4 punts.
THE BLOCKS: 8 Blocks have led to 33 points (4 TDs, 1 FG, 1 Safety, 1 Punt and 1 Missed FG) Sean Jones blocks a Northwestern State Punt on Sept. 21
1st Qtr: Blocks a Chris Stegall punt, and Bruce Thornton recovers and returns it 12 yards for a TD. Georgia extends lead to 14-0. Final: Georgia 45-7
Thomas Davis blocks a New Mexico State Punt on Sept. 28
3rd Qtr: Blocks Brian Copple punt, Georgia recovers at its own 44 and three plays later, Georgia punts. Bulldogs were leading 34-7 at the time. Final: Georgia 41-10
David Pollack blocks an Alabama FG Attempt on Oct. 5 2nd Qtr: Blocks 28-yard attempt by Brian Bostick; Georgia takes over at its own 24 and 7 plays later Georgia gets a TD to extend lead to 14-3. Final: Georgia 27-25
Reggie Brown blocks a Tennessee Punt on Oct. 12
1st Qtr: Blocks Dustin Colquitt punt, it goes out of endzone for a safety. Georgia takes a 2-0 lead. {Bulldogs forced to punt after UT kickoff} Final: Georgia UGA 18-13
Boss Bailey blocks a Tennessee FG Attempt on Oct. 12
2nd Qtr: Blocks 44-yard attempt by Phillip Newman; Georgia takes over at its own 47 and 8 plays later Georgia gets a 27-yard FG to extend lead to 5-0. Final: Georgia 18-13
David Pollack blocks a Vanderbilt Punt on Oct. 19
2nd Qtr: Blocks Greg Johnson punt and recovered at VU45: 6 plays later, Georgia gets a TD to extend lead to 31-7. Final: Georgia 48-17
Boss Bailey blocks a Ole Miss FG Attempt on Nov. 9
1st Qtr: Blocks 19-yard attempt by Jonathan Nichols: Georgia takes over at its own 6 and 9 plays later, Georgia misses a 42-yard FG attempt. Final: Georgia 31-17
Boss Bailey blocks a Ga. Tech FG Attempt on Nov. 30
2nd Qtr: Blocks 49-yard attempt by Luke Manget: Georgia takes over at its own 28 and 3 plays later, Georgia gets a TD to extend lead to 24-0. Final: Georgia 51-7
3 TDs BY SPECIAL TEAMS: Against Clemson, sophomore Fred Gibson returned a kickoff 91 yards for a TD. Gibson's kickoff return for a TD was the first by a Bulldog since 1990. Against Northwestern St., sophomore Sean Jones blocked a punt and junior Bruce Thornton scooped it up and returned it 12 yards for a TD. It marked the first time since 1998 that Georgia had returned a blocked punt for a TD. Against New Mexico St., junior Damien Gary got his second career punt return for a TD, racing one back 71 yards for a score.
Bennett Earning His Place Among Nation's Top Kickers
*A 5-8, 165-pound Junior native of Athens, Ga.
*Semifinalist for Lou Groza Award; SEC Leader in Scoring Overall, Scoring for Kickers, Average Per Game (104 points/Average 8.7);
T1st in PAT% (47-for-47, 47 PATs ties school record also by George Jernigan in 1946); 2nd in SEC in FG% at 76% (19-for-25)
*Set Bulldog Record for Points Kicking in a season with 104, three shy of SEC Record; Scored 15 points (3 FGs, 6 PATs) in 51-7 win over Ga. Tech
*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 77% (49-for-64) including 17-for-21 from 40-49 range and 98% on PATs (105-for-107)
*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
SEC RECORD BOOK WATCH
Total Points Scored By Kicking
1. 107 Greg Burke, Tenn. (19 FGs, 50 PATs) 1990
1. 107 Judd Davis, Fla. (14 FGs, 65 PATs) 1994
T3. 104 Billy Bennett, GA (19 FGs, 47 PATs) 2002
T3. 104 Jeff Hall, Tenn. (19 FGs, 47 PATs) 1998
*Bennett's total ranks in a tie for 13th overall in Most Points Scoring with 108 getting him in the top 10. Alabama's Shaun Alexander holds the SEC record with 144 in 1999. The list can be found on page 245 of the SEC football guide.
#45 Boss Bailey, SLB
Butkus Award and Lombardi Award Semifinalist
SEC Defensive Player of the Week(Aug.31)vs. Clemson
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-American
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
Football News Pre-Season All-SEC
Lindy's Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
*SEC Media Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
#30 Billy Bennett, PK
Lou Groza Award Semi-Finalist
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 5) vs. #22 Alabama
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 12) vs. #10 Tennessee
#70 Kevin Breedlove, OG
Lombardi Award "Watch List"
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
*SEC Media Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
#8 Terrence Edwards, SE
Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"
CBS-TV "Player of the Game" vs. Tenn. Oct. 12
CBS-TV "Player of the Game" vs. UK. Oct. 16
SEC Offfensive Player of the Week (Oct. 26) vs. UK
#82 Fred Gibson, FLK
Biletnikoff Award "Watch List"
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 2nd Team
Football News Pre-Season All-SEC
*SEC Media Pre-Season All-SEC 2nd Team
#42 Tony Gilbert, MLB
Butkus Award "Watch List"
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
*SEC Media Pre-Season All-SEC 2nd Team
#14 David Greene, QB
Davey O'Brien Award Watch List
CBS-TV "Player of the Game" vs. Alabama Oct. 5
Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team
#25 Michael Johnson, SE
SEC Offensive Player of the Week (Nov. 16) vs. #24 Auburn
#6 Sean Jones, FS
SEC Special Teams Player of the Week (Nov. 16) vs. #24 Auburn
#83 Jonathan Kilgo, P
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 2nd Team
#95 Brett Kirouac, P/PK
Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team
#47 David Pollack, Buck
Finalist for Bronko Nagurski Trophy
CBS-TV "Player of the Game" vs. USC Sept. 15
SEC Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 15) vs. South Carolina
#32 Musa Smith, TB
SEC Offensive Player of the Week (Dec. 2) vs. Georgia Tech
#78 Jon Stinchcomb, OT
Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America Team
Lombardi Award Semifinalist
Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-American
Football News Pre-Season All-American
Street & Smith's Pre-Season All-American
Lindy's Pre-Season All-American
The Sporting News Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
Football News Pre-Season All-SEC
Street & Smith's Pre-Season All-SEC
Lindy's Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
*SEC Media Pre-Season All-SEC 1st Team
#57 Johnathan Sullivan, DL
Football News Pre-Season All-SEC
#89 Ben Watson, TE
SEC Good Works Team Player of the Week (Oct. 14)
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 were sold out as well. *Georgia's Current Sellout Streak is 26 dating back to the 1998 Ga. Tech game.
*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.
In Records Dating Back to 1972, the top clock-eating drives by the Bulldogs and their Opponents were...
Georgia's Longest Possession (Non-Scoring)
10:46 2002 vs. Ole Miss: 19 plays, 73 yards, Clock Expired, End of game
8:51 1975 vs. Ga. Tech: 20 plays, 73 yards, 19-yard FG Blocked
By Opponent (Non-Scoring):
10:50 Miss. State (1983): 20 plays, 71 yards, Missed 20-yard FG
7:51 Ole Miss (1996): 15 plays, 78 yards, INT
Georgia's Longest Scoring Possession
8:45 1988 vs. Tennessee: 19 plays, 87 yards, TD
8:33 1997 vs. Kentucky: 16 plays, 62 yards, TD
By Opponent:
10:57 Florida (1993): 21 plays, 80 yards, TD
9:14 Kentucky (1997): 20 plays, 75 yards, TD
MOST STARTS IN GEORGIA HISTORY
A trio of Bulldog seniors rank among Georgia's top 10 in most career starts. Offensive lineman Kevin Breedlove has 45 career starts while Jon Stinchcomb has 44 and Terrence Edwards is at 42.
Top 10 (kickers not included)
T1. Lindsay Scott (SE) 46
T1. Larry Brown (TE) 46
T3. Kevin Breedlove (OL) 45
T3. Greg Bright (LB) 45
T3. Johnny Rauch (QB) 45
T6. Jon Stinchcomb (OL) 44
T6. Troy Sadowski (TE) 44
T8. Terrence Edwards (SE) 42
T8. Eric Zeier (QB) 42
10. Steve Roberts (OL) 41
Top 10 (kickers included)
1. Kevin Butler (PK) 48
T2. Lindsay Scott (SE) 46
T2. Larry Brown (TE) 46
T4. Kevin Breedlove (OL) 45
T4. Greg Bright (LB) 45
T4. Allan Leavitt (PK) 45
T4. Johnny Rauch (QB) 45
T8. Jon Stinchcomb (OL) 44
T8. Troy Sadowski (TE) 44
T10. Terrence Edwards (SE) 42
T10. Eric Zeier (QB) 42
T10. Scot Armstrong (P) 42
Bulldog Senior Trio Helping the Program as Student Coaches After Career-Ending Injuries
Josh Billue (OL/back) Cap Burnett (CB/concussions) and David Jacobs (DL/stroke) all had to retire from football last year due to various injuries. However, the group remains a valuable part of the program, working in the weight room and with their position coaches.
This past June, Jacobs (below) was selected as one of the recipients of the 2002 Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award. The award honors male and female student-athletes who have overcome great personal, academic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics. The award is sponsored by the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics.
Jacobs' teammates rallied around him last season, winning their final three regular season games and dedicating the victories to him. The players and coaches wore his number "99" on decals on their helmets and caps, and they had such items as Jacobs' jersey, photograph and locker name plate on the sideline for inspiration.
Jacobs was the final senior to be honored at the regular season finale vs. Ga. Tech. He ran out on the field in full uniform to a thunderous ovation. He was the lone captain for the coin toss which Georgia won along with the game.
Bulldogs Team Up to Build Habitat House
This past summer, the members of the Georgia football team partnered with HomeBanc Mortgage and Re/Max Associates of Athens to build a Habitat for Humanity House. The house was the first ever constructed with the help of a university football program. The ground breaking ceremony took place April 13 and construction continued through the summer. The project was completed Aug. 3 with a dedication ceremony for the new owner.
Georgia players, coaches, managers, trainers and videographers worked on the house, performing such tasks as building the floor system, erecting the interior and exterior walls, painting and landscaping. The construction project was part of head coach Mark Richt's philosophy of developing the whole person including academics, athletics and community service.
Former Georgia linebacker John Brantley, a sales manager for HomeBanc, who has worked on Habitat for Humanity projects in the past, talked with Richt prior to a home game when he was an honorary captain. The idea evolved from there and the Bulldogs went to work.
Serving It Up, Family Style for a Party of Eight
There are some familiar names around the Georgia program again this year, as has been the case for several years. The Bulldogs have successfully recruited players whose brothers or fathers have taken the field for the red and black. This year, the eight families include:
BAILEY: Senior LB Boss Bailey is the younger brother of 1998 Georgia All-American DB Champ Bailey (1996-98). Champ was the No. 1 draft choice of the Washington Redskins in 1999 and made All-Pro by 2000. Also, the eldest Bailey, Ronald, was a cornerback for the Bulldogs from 1995-97. Junior CB Kenny Bailey is a cousin of the Bailey trio.
EDWARDS: Senior WR Terrence Edwards is the younger brother of former Georgia RB Robert Edwards (1993-94, '96-97), a first round draft choice of the New England Patriots. Edwards has made a comeback following a three-year rehab of a severe knee injury and plays for Miami.
McCLENDON: Freshman WR Bryan McLendon is the son of former Georgia standout RB Willie McClendon (1976-78), who was captain of the 1978 squad and the SEC Player-of-the-Year that season. He went on to play professionally with the Chicago Bears.
STINCHCOMB: Senior OT Jon Stinchcomb is the younger brother of former Georgia All-America OT Matt Stinchcomb (1995-98), a first round draft choice of the Oakland Raiders in 1999.
TAYLOR: Freshman LB Tony Taylor is the son of former Georgia standout linebacker Nate Taylor (1979-82) who was a member of the 1980 national championship squad and part of three SEC Championship teams.
TERESHINSKI: Freshman QB Joe Tereshinski III is a third generation Bulldog. His father, Joe Jr. (1974-76), was the starting center on Georgia's 1976 SEC champion Sugar Bowl team while his father, Joe Tereshinski Sr. (1942, '45,'46) was a member of Georgia's 1942 Rose Bowl championship squad as well as the 1946 SEC and Sugar Bowl championships teams.
TOWNS: Senior SE Kirby Towns is the son of former Georgia player Bobby Towns (1957-59) and grandson of Forrest "Spec" Towns (1935-38). Bobby played for the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals while Spec was a gold medalist in track (120-yard hurdles) at the 1936 Olympics.
SWOOPES: Freshman OL Randall Swoopes is the son of former Georgia standout DT Ronnie Swoopes (1974-77) who earned All-SEC honors and was a member of the 1976 SEC championship squad plus was defensive captain his senior year.
Tallying Up the Ws
Georgia has extended its school record for consecutive seasons with at least eight wins. The streak began in 1997 and finds the Bulldogs 10th nationally in winning percentage in this span.
2002 Analysis
Scoring Drives
*42 TDs by the Offense
*7 Drives covered 81-plus yards
*Also 3 TDs by the Special Teams:
Fred Gibson's 91-yard kickoff return vs. Clemson; Bruce Thornton 12-yard return off a blocked punt vs. NW State; Damien Gary's 71-yard punt return vs. New Mexico State *And 3 TDs by the Defense:
David Pollack intercepted a pass in the endzone vs. South Carolina;
Kentrell Curry's 78-yard INT return vs. New Mexico State; Tim Jennings' 64-yard INT return vs. Ole Miss. (Note: The school record for Most INT Returns for TDs is 4 in 2000.)
Inside the Red Zone in 2002
Inside 20 TD% Score% TD (Rush/Pass) FG *No Points UGA 56 times 59% 80% 33 (16R, 17P) 12 11 (3TO, 4MFG, 3C, 1D) Opp. 31 times 45% 58% 14 (8R, 6P) 4 12 (5TO, 4MFG, 1D, 2BFG,1P)
Inside 10 TD% Score% TD (Rush/Pass) FG *No Points UGA 29 times 62% 93% 18 (10R, 8P) 9 2 (1TO, 1C) Opp. 21 times 57% 67% 12 (6R, 6P) 2 7 (3TO, 2BFG,1MFG, 1D) *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 57 percent of the time.
In Red Zone Offense, the Bulldogs rank 8th in the SEC, scoring 76 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); Vs. Ole Miss, UGA was 2-for-4 (2 TDs, MFG, 1 Let Clock Exp.)
Vs. Auburn, UGA was 3-for-3 (3 TDs); Vs. Ga. Tech, UGA was 8-for-8 (5 TDs, 3 FGs)
Slow Starts for Offense, But Solid Starts By Bulldog Defense
Through 12 games, Georgia has scored on its first possession just five times while opponents have scored just once on the Bulldog defense (Ole Miss TD). Opponents have 8 punts, Vanderbilt missed a 37-yard FG while Florida threw an INT at the GA17 and Auburn threw an INT at the GA15. While they have not always taken the football, Georgia has won the coin toss 10 times this season. Against Florida and Ole Miss, Georgia lost the coin toss and started on offense.
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. Recently against Ga. Tech, Georgia scored on its first four for a 24-0 lead.
Georgia's defense has blanked the opponents 4 times in the first half (South Carolina, Northwestern State, Tennessee and Ga. Tech) and twice in the second half (Kentucky, Ole Miss).
Georgia Holds Slight Edge in Points off Turnovers
Georgia has scored 64 points off 28 turnovers while opponents have 42 points off 22 Bulldog turnovers. With big leads this season, Georgia has run out the clock 3 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
Ole Miss: Georgia got a TD off 2 TO; Rebels got a TD off 2 Bulldog TO
Auburn: Georgia got a FG off 3 TO; Tigers go No Points off 2 Bulldog TO
Ga. Tech: Georgia got a TD and FG off 5 TO; Georgia had no TO
Digging Up Bones
For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are awarding bone decals for their helmets based on solid play (white ones) and outstanding academic work (black bones). Last season, it marked the first year since the Vince Dooley era (1964-88) that the Bulldogs got special decals for their helmets. Under Dooley, the Bulldogs earned white stars for good play.
No Time for the Pine
Overall, nine true freshmen saw action in the season opener against Clemson. Along with defensive lineman Kedric Golston (started) and Darrius Swain, the others included Tony Taylor (LB), DeMario Minter (DB), running back Tyson Browning (special teams), Tim Jennings (DB), Bartley Miller (OL), Josh Brock (OL) and Max Jean-Gilles (OL) all made their debut. Receivers Bryan McClendon and Mario Raley saw action against New Mexico State. Against Vanderbilt, Jennings and Brock made their first career starts while Taylor started against Ga. Tech.
Gary Closing In On Bulldog Punt Return Records, Could Be Back for SEC Championship Game
Junior Damien Gary, who was ranked as high as 8th nationally in punt return average at 15.2, has been out due to acute compartment syndrome in his left leg since the end of October. Team doctor Robert Hancock performed emergency surgery on Gary at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens on Oct. 27, the day after the Kentucky game. He has had two more surgeries 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 will not be listed in the NCAA or SEC rankings because he will not meet the minimum requirement of playing in 75 percent of the team's games. He has missed the last four games.
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 is one of a handful of Bulldog performers to be sidelined as Georgia has had eight offensive players and two defensive players miss games this season due to injuries (see chart on p. 13).
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)
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