Georgia Football Notes vs. #11 Tennessee
October 01, 2016 | Football
Recap | Final Stats | Photo Gallery 
Series History: With No. 11 Tennessee's 34-31 comeback on the final play of the game, the No. 25 Bulldogs fall to 3-2 (1-2 SEC) as the Vols (5-0, 2-0 SEC) extend their lead in the series to 23-21-2. The last five games between the teams have been decided by a TD or less with one needing overtime. This was the 14th time both teams came in ranked in the AP top 25, and Georgia is now 5-9 in these games.
Points Off Turnovers: Georgia scored 10 points off three Tennessee turnovers while the Vols scored 7 points off two Bulldog miscues. Coming into the game, the Bulldogs had scored just 13 points off nine turnovers this season. Senior STAR Maurice Smith stripped Alvin Kamara and recovered it late in the first quarter. This was Tennessee's first play following Georgia's opening touchdown of the day. The Bulldogs converted this turnover into a field goal, their fourth of the year. First-time starter Deandre Baker blasted Jalen Hurd as he caught what would have been a 24-yard touchdown at the goal line. Hurd fumbled and DB Aaron Davis recovered it for a touchback. Georgia turned this miscue into seven points. Smith returned in the fourth quarter to pick off Josh Dobbs. The Bulldogs went three-and-out on their next possession. UT forced a fumble in the endzone and Cory Vereen recovered it for a TD with 2:56 left for the Vols first lead at 28-24. The Bulldogs now are currently +3 in turnover ratio. Georgia has forced 12 turnovers for 23 points and opponent have scored 38 points off eight Bulldog miscues.
Career Day For Nauta: In the passing attack, freshman TE Isaac Nauta had a career day with five catches for 83 yards. He hauled his first career touchdown catch on a career-long 50-yard strike from freshman QB Jacob Eason. Nauta came into the game with four catches for 32 yards. Eason finished 17-for-28 for 211 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Eason fired a 47-yard TD strike to freshman Riley Ridley with 10 seconds left to give the Bulldogs a short-lived lead. Riley finished with two catches for 59 yards.
First Time: Freshman receiver Riley Ridley's first career catch was a 10-yard reception in the opening quarter and then snagged a 47-yarder for his first career TD with 10 seconds left to give Georgia a lead. Michel finished the drive with a 14-yard touchdown, his first of the year. This capped a 10-play, 79-yard drive that lasted 5:32. During the drive, Georgia racked up 52 yards on the ground. Redshirt freshman PK Rodrigo Blankenship also connected on his first career field goal. He drilled a 27 yarder to put Georgia up 10-0 at the 11:21 mark in the second period. Blankenship is 1-2 on the year. The Bulldogs went up 17-0 after freshman QB Jacob Eason jumped on Michel's fumble as he crossed the finish line. This was Eason's first touchdown on the ground. This also marked Georgia's first recovered fumble for a score since Lorenzo Carter pounced on one against Nicholls earlier this season.
Rushing Attack: Junior TB Sony Michel finished with 91 yards on 16 carries after posting 72 yards and a touchdown in the opening half. Freshman TB Brian Herrien carried the ball 15 times for 74 yards. The Bulldogs totaled 392 yards, including 181 on the ground. Junior Nick Chubb, who missed the second half of the Ole Miss game last week due to an ankle injury, saw action on only one play today and had a 3-yard rush.
Tackles: Sophomore ILB Natrez Patrick finished with a career-high 10 tackles, including his second career sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. Meanwhile Maurice Smith, who forced and recovered a fumble, also recorded a career-high seven stops and had an interception.
Go For It: The Bulldogs are now 4-for-6 on fourth downs this season after successfully converting one in the 2nd quarter. Michel shot through the middle of the line for three yards on a 4th-and-1 situation to the UT 25. Georgia failed to convert a 4th-and-2 with 9:02 left in the game at UT 25.
For Starters: Sophomore DB Deandre Baker and freshman DL Julian Rochester started their first career games for the Bulldogs. They are the 10th and 11th first-time starters this season.
