40-for-80 The Sweetest Season - Kentucky Game
October 20, 2020 | Football
By: Jeff Dantzler
October 25, 1980
Commonwealth Stadium
Lexington, KY
Georgia - 27, Kentucky - 0
For the first time since the epic 16-15 season-opening victory at Tennessee back on September the 6th, Georgia was on the road. The 6-0 Bulldogs had won five straight at Sanford Stadium after the win in Knoxville, and were ranked fifth nationally with a 3-0 Southeastern Conference record. Kentucky headed into the game at 2-4, but the Wildcats had certainly been battle tested. Amongst the four setbacks, the Wildcats lost at fourth-ranked Oklahoma 29-7, dropped a Friday night affair at then No. 1 Alabama 45-0 and fell in Lexington to LSU 17-10 the week before the visit from the Bulldogs.
Herschel Walker was back at full strength. The freshman sensation shattered the record books with a 283-yard, three touchdown rushing performance on 23 carries in a 41-0 victory over Vanderbilt the week prior, as Georgia wrapped up its five game homestand.
On Georgia's last visit to Lexington, the Wonderdogs of 1978 pulled out an amazing 17-16 win on All-American Rex Robinson's last second field, made even more legendary with The Mighty Larry Munson's iconic call.
"The stadium's standing, no, some of them are upside down, but they're trying to stand… He sticks it up, it looks good watch it… Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Three seconds left, Rex Robinson put 'em ahead 17-16. The bench is unconscious! He kicked the whatchamacallit out of it."
Epic
Now here the Bulldogs were again, on another cold night in the Kentucky bluegrass.
It was 43 degrees for the 7:30 kickoff, a far cry from the last road game, that hot, muggy night in Lexington. No, Autumn had fully descended, with a touch of winter, as the Bulldogs turned their attention to the Wildcats to keep the dreams alive.
Vince Dooley's and Erk Russell's Junkyard Dawgs defense was barking. The Bulldogs had shut out Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, held TCU to three, Tennessee to 15 and Clemson to 16. Georgia gave up 21 to Ole Miss, but the Rebels had a defensive score in Georgia's seven point victory. The Bulldogs led the nation in turnover margin in 1980, and that ferocious defense would add to the tally with a plus-three in that most critical of categories, and put forth another championship performance in Lexington.
There was concern on offense though. Standout senior center Hugh Nall of Thomaston suffered an injured knee earlier in the week in practice. So many times, the Bulldog faithful heard Liltin' Larry say "Hugh Nall up over the ball." One of the team's captains, Nall's toughness, tenacity and talent at center helped drive coach Wayne McDuffie's offensive line. He embodied so much of what made this team great.
Wayne Radloff, a future All-SEC selection, and Joe Happe would take over at center.
There is a twist to the story, though. The policy of the day was that injured players didn't travel with the team. But Dooley made an exception in Nall's case.
"I had lined up a ride back home to Thomaston to see my parents and listen to Larry Munson call the game," recalls Nall. "But Coach Dooley called, and said he wanted me to come with the team. Not only that, I was voted an offensive captain after the Vanderbilt game. That really meant a lot to me."
So when the officials came to the locker room to ask for the captains, Nall emerged, and made his way to midfield, clad in sweats, his letter jacket and a giant cast.
Senior defensive end Pat McShea and senior receiver Anthony Amp Arnold, who was the offensive star of the night, both said in an interview last week, "we knew we had them then."
First Quarter
Georgia put together a nice drive to start the game, moving from its own 34 to the Kentucky 31. But the Wildcats threw the Bulldogs for a 14-yard sack to the Kentucky 45. Mark Malkiewicz punted the 'Cats down to the eight.
Kentucky then mounted an impressive drive, moving from its own eight to the Georgia 44 in 11 plays. Then lightning struck.
All-American Scott Woerner intercepted Kentucky quarterback Randy Jenkins, and raced 31 yards on the return to the Wildcats 32.
Georgia was in business.
Buck Belue hit Amp Arnold for an 11-yard gain and critical first down on third and eight. Then it was Herschel for six, Herschel for three, Herschel for six, and on second and goal from the two, the Goal Line Stalker ran right behind guard Tim Morrison and tackle Nat Hudson for a two yard touchdown. Robinson's Point After gave Georgia a 7-0 lead with 2:02 to go in the first quarter.
It was three-and-out for the Wildcats, with the "Meat Cleaver" Eddie Weaver coming up with back to back no-gain stops following an incompletion. Big Number 61, part of that dominating front coached by the great Russell and fellow Bulldog legend Steve Greer, had one of his finest games that night in Lexington, racking up eight tackles. Jimmy Payne, another all-time great, had six solo stops, including 12 yards in losses. Pat McShea had a tremendous game with five solo tackles, six total stops and a four yard loss. The linebackers were popping, as Nate Taylor had nine tackles, El Capitain Frank Ros recorded six stops and freshman Tommy Thursson emerged with four.
Senior roverback Chris Welton had one of his best games, cracking the Wildcats for six solo stops, seven total tackles and he recorded a pass breakup. Georgia's run defense was on point. Safety Jeff Hipp had an interception and four stops, and corner Mke Fisher had a pick and rang up ten total tackle.
It was tough sledding for the Wildcats all night long.
Second Quarter
Following the Weaver-led three-and-out, and a 10-yard punt return by Woerner, Georgia went from its own 34 to the Wildcats 11. But on third and eight, the Wildcats came up with an interception on their own three.
Kentucky picked up one first down, and the Bulldogs stiffened. Georgia took over on its own 42 with 9:10 to go before the half. The Bulldogs got to the Kentucky 34, but the drive stalled.
The Bulldogs called on the All-American Robinson. And the man who made history in Lexington two years earlier, was true from 50 yards out. With 6:14 to go in the second quarter, Georgia increased the lead to 10-0.
A 30-yard pass play pushed Kentucky into Georgia territory. On third and eight from the Bulldogs 45, the All-American Hipp came up with a clutch pick at the Georgia 27. There was 4:24 to go, and the Bulldogs had time to increase the lead. Big running from the freshman Walker and senior fullback Jimmy Womack and a 12-yard completion from Belue to Norris Brown moved the ball to the Kentucky 31. Kentucky got another stop, and the Bulldogs again turned to Robinson.
He was true again, connecting officially on a 47-yard field goal and with just over a minute to go in the first half, Georgia had a 13-0 lead. Kentucky mounted no threat on the final possession of the second quarter, and the Bulldogs went to the locker room with a 13 point lead. Walker led the way with 91 first half yards on 21 carries.
Third Quarter
With the 13-0 lead, it was all about who could get that next touchdown. If it was Georgia, with the way the Bulldogs defense and special teams was playing, the hole would likely be too big for the Wildcats. But if Kentucky struck first in the second half for seven points, all of a sudden, it's a one possession game, and all the pressure is on the fifth-ranked, undefeated Bulldogs.
Kentucky made its charge to start the second half. After Robinson's kickoff went out of the end zone, Coach Fran Curci's Wildcats went on the attack. The 'Cats marched from their own 20 to the Georgia 25 yard line in 13 plays. Two incompletions and a big play from McShea, who came up with a four-yard tackle for loss against Kentucky running back Randy Brooks had the Wildcats in a 4th-and-14 spot from the 25. On the 14th play of the drive, "The Tifton Termite" Nate Taylor knocked down a Larry Mccrimmon - who had come on for Jenkins - pass and the Bulldogs had survived the march.
Taylor, who led the team in tackles as a freshman in 1979, was an undersized, 5-10, 195 pound not overly fast recruiting afterthought. But he was fierce, tough and relentless playing linebacker next to Captain Ros, and one of three former walk-ons, along with defensive end Robert Miles and Fisher, a cornerback, to start for the national champions.
Remember, Kentucky was battle tested. The Wildcats had played Oklahoma, Alabama, and LSU so they were not intimidated by Georgia.
After the big defensive stand, the Bulldogs were stopped three-and-out, and Malkiewicz was called upon to punt.
The next play so epitomized so much of what made this team so great.
A fumbled Kentucky punt was recovered by Donnie McMinkens on the Kentucky 33 and the Bulldogs had the chance to deliver a decisive blow.
McMinkens started the Tennessee game at tailback, but Walker won the starting job. Bob Kelly and Steve Kelly had been starters in their fine Bulldog careers, but did not start in 1980. On offense or defense.
But on special teams, these three all played great, selfless football. They all made huge plays throughout the season, the Kelly brothers most notably in the Sugar Bowl.
This time it was McMinkens. And the Bulldogs were in business.
Belue hit Arnold for 12. These two, they were involved in so many famous moments in red and black lore.
Herschel went for seven, and then two. Belue kept for a first down at the Kentucky 10.
It's tough to get a TD on first and goal from the ten. The field is compacted, and you can't get a first down.
It was Herschel for five, then Herschel for two.
Facing third and goal from the Wildcats three Georgia called timeout.
With Kentucky keying on the vaunted freshman, Belue kept and went around the left side for a touchdown. Robinson's extra point put Georgia up 20-0. The Bulldogs could breathe a bit easier now.
Fisher, who had unforgettable picks against both Florida and Notre Dame, came up with an interception that he returned 11 yards to the Kentucky 39. Georgia had a chance to put Kentucky six feet under. But the 'Cats deflected a field goal attempt after the Bulldogs drive had stalled and the Wildcats kept the deficit at 20 points.
With 2:19 to go, Kentucky took over on its 21-yard line.
The 'Cats got to midfield, but back to back big stops by Weaver on a run and a 12-yard sack by Payne put the Wildcats in a big hole as the quarter came to an end.
Fourth Quarter
Georgia stopped the Wildcats, and facing fourth-and-20 from their own 41, they punted. Jenkins hit a beauty that was downed at the seven yard line.
Knockout Blow
Belue and Arnold first gained great fame amongst the Georgia faithful for their tremendous plays on the touchdown and go-ahead two-pointer two years prior in the 29-28 triumph over Tech between the hedges.
They would add another chapter on this night in Lexington. On third and eight from the Georgia 9, Belue hit Arnold, and it was off to the races in the shadows of Keeneland about 75 miles from Churchill Downs. 91 yards later, on what would be the second longest pass play of the year for the eventual national champions, Arnold struck paydirt, and Kentucky was finished. Robinson's PAT was good. 13:25 remained, but this one was academic.
It was now all about the shutout.
Kentucky was trying to get on the scoreboard. The Wildcats hit pass plays of 24, 16 and 20 yards and were at the Georgia 24. Then Woerner struck again. He recorded his second interception of the game, and the Bulldogs fourth of the night. Georgia marched to the Kentucky 19, but turned the ball over on a fumble.
It was the Bulldogs second "red zone" turnover, but the defense and special teams were dominant. Georgia finished Plus Three in turnovers.
On the Blue and White's final possession, Kentucky didn't get past its own 29 and punted away to Woerner.
Georgia ran out the clock and, holy smokes, it was 7-0 for the first time since 1971.
The Aftermath
Walker had 131 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, and Arnold pulled in four receptions for 127 yards - highlighted by the 91-yard score. Woerner, Hipp and Robinson built their All-American resumes.
The defense was tremendous. It was a second straight shutout, the third in seven games and the fourth time Georgia held the opposition out of the end zone.
Nall was awarded the game ball.
This was the ultimate TEAM.
The record was now 7-0, 4-0 in the SEC and the Bulldogs moved to No. 4 in the national polls, as Texas, which was No. 2, lost to the Pony Express of SMU. It was Alabama, UCLA, Notre Dame and Georgia. There were the Dogs, No. 4 in the nation.
On deck was No. 14 South Carolina, led by their Heisman candidate, from Duluth, Ga., George Rogers. The Gamecocks had beaten Georgia the last two years, and came in at 6-1, having lost only at Southern Cal, while registering a monster win at Michigan the following week.
What an opportunity.
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October 25, 1980
Commonwealth Stadium
Lexington, KY
Georgia - 27, Kentucky - 0
For the first time since the epic 16-15 season-opening victory at Tennessee back on September the 6th, Georgia was on the road. The 6-0 Bulldogs had won five straight at Sanford Stadium after the win in Knoxville, and were ranked fifth nationally with a 3-0 Southeastern Conference record. Kentucky headed into the game at 2-4, but the Wildcats had certainly been battle tested. Amongst the four setbacks, the Wildcats lost at fourth-ranked Oklahoma 29-7, dropped a Friday night affair at then No. 1 Alabama 45-0 and fell in Lexington to LSU 17-10 the week before the visit from the Bulldogs.
Herschel Walker was back at full strength. The freshman sensation shattered the record books with a 283-yard, three touchdown rushing performance on 23 carries in a 41-0 victory over Vanderbilt the week prior, as Georgia wrapped up its five game homestand.
On Georgia's last visit to Lexington, the Wonderdogs of 1978 pulled out an amazing 17-16 win on All-American Rex Robinson's last second field, made even more legendary with The Mighty Larry Munson's iconic call.
"The stadium's standing, no, some of them are upside down, but they're trying to stand… He sticks it up, it looks good watch it… Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Three seconds left, Rex Robinson put 'em ahead 17-16. The bench is unconscious! He kicked the whatchamacallit out of it."
Epic
Now here the Bulldogs were again, on another cold night in the Kentucky bluegrass.
It was 43 degrees for the 7:30 kickoff, a far cry from the last road game, that hot, muggy night in Lexington. No, Autumn had fully descended, with a touch of winter, as the Bulldogs turned their attention to the Wildcats to keep the dreams alive.
Vince Dooley's and Erk Russell's Junkyard Dawgs defense was barking. The Bulldogs had shut out Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, held TCU to three, Tennessee to 15 and Clemson to 16. Georgia gave up 21 to Ole Miss, but the Rebels had a defensive score in Georgia's seven point victory. The Bulldogs led the nation in turnover margin in 1980, and that ferocious defense would add to the tally with a plus-three in that most critical of categories, and put forth another championship performance in Lexington.
There was concern on offense though. Standout senior center Hugh Nall of Thomaston suffered an injured knee earlier in the week in practice. So many times, the Bulldog faithful heard Liltin' Larry say "Hugh Nall up over the ball." One of the team's captains, Nall's toughness, tenacity and talent at center helped drive coach Wayne McDuffie's offensive line. He embodied so much of what made this team great.
Wayne Radloff, a future All-SEC selection, and Joe Happe would take over at center.
There is a twist to the story, though. The policy of the day was that injured players didn't travel with the team. But Dooley made an exception in Nall's case.
"I had lined up a ride back home to Thomaston to see my parents and listen to Larry Munson call the game," recalls Nall. "But Coach Dooley called, and said he wanted me to come with the team. Not only that, I was voted an offensive captain after the Vanderbilt game. That really meant a lot to me."
So when the officials came to the locker room to ask for the captains, Nall emerged, and made his way to midfield, clad in sweats, his letter jacket and a giant cast.
Senior defensive end Pat McShea and senior receiver Anthony Amp Arnold, who was the offensive star of the night, both said in an interview last week, "we knew we had them then."
First Quarter
Georgia put together a nice drive to start the game, moving from its own 34 to the Kentucky 31. But the Wildcats threw the Bulldogs for a 14-yard sack to the Kentucky 45. Mark Malkiewicz punted the 'Cats down to the eight.
Kentucky then mounted an impressive drive, moving from its own eight to the Georgia 44 in 11 plays. Then lightning struck.
All-American Scott Woerner intercepted Kentucky quarterback Randy Jenkins, and raced 31 yards on the return to the Wildcats 32.
Georgia was in business.
Buck Belue hit Amp Arnold for an 11-yard gain and critical first down on third and eight. Then it was Herschel for six, Herschel for three, Herschel for six, and on second and goal from the two, the Goal Line Stalker ran right behind guard Tim Morrison and tackle Nat Hudson for a two yard touchdown. Robinson's Point After gave Georgia a 7-0 lead with 2:02 to go in the first quarter.
It was three-and-out for the Wildcats, with the "Meat Cleaver" Eddie Weaver coming up with back to back no-gain stops following an incompletion. Big Number 61, part of that dominating front coached by the great Russell and fellow Bulldog legend Steve Greer, had one of his finest games that night in Lexington, racking up eight tackles. Jimmy Payne, another all-time great, had six solo stops, including 12 yards in losses. Pat McShea had a tremendous game with five solo tackles, six total stops and a four yard loss. The linebackers were popping, as Nate Taylor had nine tackles, El Capitain Frank Ros recorded six stops and freshman Tommy Thursson emerged with four.
Senior roverback Chris Welton had one of his best games, cracking the Wildcats for six solo stops, seven total tackles and he recorded a pass breakup. Georgia's run defense was on point. Safety Jeff Hipp had an interception and four stops, and corner Mke Fisher had a pick and rang up ten total tackle.
It was tough sledding for the Wildcats all night long.
Second Quarter
Following the Weaver-led three-and-out, and a 10-yard punt return by Woerner, Georgia went from its own 34 to the Wildcats 11. But on third and eight, the Wildcats came up with an interception on their own three.
Kentucky picked up one first down, and the Bulldogs stiffened. Georgia took over on its own 42 with 9:10 to go before the half. The Bulldogs got to the Kentucky 34, but the drive stalled.
The Bulldogs called on the All-American Robinson. And the man who made history in Lexington two years earlier, was true from 50 yards out. With 6:14 to go in the second quarter, Georgia increased the lead to 10-0.
A 30-yard pass play pushed Kentucky into Georgia territory. On third and eight from the Bulldogs 45, the All-American Hipp came up with a clutch pick at the Georgia 27. There was 4:24 to go, and the Bulldogs had time to increase the lead. Big running from the freshman Walker and senior fullback Jimmy Womack and a 12-yard completion from Belue to Norris Brown moved the ball to the Kentucky 31. Kentucky got another stop, and the Bulldogs again turned to Robinson.
He was true again, connecting officially on a 47-yard field goal and with just over a minute to go in the first half, Georgia had a 13-0 lead. Kentucky mounted no threat on the final possession of the second quarter, and the Bulldogs went to the locker room with a 13 point lead. Walker led the way with 91 first half yards on 21 carries.
Third Quarter
With the 13-0 lead, it was all about who could get that next touchdown. If it was Georgia, with the way the Bulldogs defense and special teams was playing, the hole would likely be too big for the Wildcats. But if Kentucky struck first in the second half for seven points, all of a sudden, it's a one possession game, and all the pressure is on the fifth-ranked, undefeated Bulldogs.
Kentucky made its charge to start the second half. After Robinson's kickoff went out of the end zone, Coach Fran Curci's Wildcats went on the attack. The 'Cats marched from their own 20 to the Georgia 25 yard line in 13 plays. Two incompletions and a big play from McShea, who came up with a four-yard tackle for loss against Kentucky running back Randy Brooks had the Wildcats in a 4th-and-14 spot from the 25. On the 14th play of the drive, "The Tifton Termite" Nate Taylor knocked down a Larry Mccrimmon - who had come on for Jenkins - pass and the Bulldogs had survived the march.
Taylor, who led the team in tackles as a freshman in 1979, was an undersized, 5-10, 195 pound not overly fast recruiting afterthought. But he was fierce, tough and relentless playing linebacker next to Captain Ros, and one of three former walk-ons, along with defensive end Robert Miles and Fisher, a cornerback, to start for the national champions.
Remember, Kentucky was battle tested. The Wildcats had played Oklahoma, Alabama, and LSU so they were not intimidated by Georgia.
After the big defensive stand, the Bulldogs were stopped three-and-out, and Malkiewicz was called upon to punt.
The next play so epitomized so much of what made this team so great.
A fumbled Kentucky punt was recovered by Donnie McMinkens on the Kentucky 33 and the Bulldogs had the chance to deliver a decisive blow.
McMinkens started the Tennessee game at tailback, but Walker won the starting job. Bob Kelly and Steve Kelly had been starters in their fine Bulldog careers, but did not start in 1980. On offense or defense.
But on special teams, these three all played great, selfless football. They all made huge plays throughout the season, the Kelly brothers most notably in the Sugar Bowl.
This time it was McMinkens. And the Bulldogs were in business.
Belue hit Arnold for 12. These two, they were involved in so many famous moments in red and black lore.
Herschel went for seven, and then two. Belue kept for a first down at the Kentucky 10.
It's tough to get a TD on first and goal from the ten. The field is compacted, and you can't get a first down.
It was Herschel for five, then Herschel for two.
Facing third and goal from the Wildcats three Georgia called timeout.
With Kentucky keying on the vaunted freshman, Belue kept and went around the left side for a touchdown. Robinson's extra point put Georgia up 20-0. The Bulldogs could breathe a bit easier now.
Fisher, who had unforgettable picks against both Florida and Notre Dame, came up with an interception that he returned 11 yards to the Kentucky 39. Georgia had a chance to put Kentucky six feet under. But the 'Cats deflected a field goal attempt after the Bulldogs drive had stalled and the Wildcats kept the deficit at 20 points.
With 2:19 to go, Kentucky took over on its 21-yard line.
The 'Cats got to midfield, but back to back big stops by Weaver on a run and a 12-yard sack by Payne put the Wildcats in a big hole as the quarter came to an end.
Fourth Quarter
Georgia stopped the Wildcats, and facing fourth-and-20 from their own 41, they punted. Jenkins hit a beauty that was downed at the seven yard line.
Knockout Blow
Belue and Arnold first gained great fame amongst the Georgia faithful for their tremendous plays on the touchdown and go-ahead two-pointer two years prior in the 29-28 triumph over Tech between the hedges.
They would add another chapter on this night in Lexington. On third and eight from the Georgia 9, Belue hit Arnold, and it was off to the races in the shadows of Keeneland about 75 miles from Churchill Downs. 91 yards later, on what would be the second longest pass play of the year for the eventual national champions, Arnold struck paydirt, and Kentucky was finished. Robinson's PAT was good. 13:25 remained, but this one was academic.
It was now all about the shutout.
Kentucky was trying to get on the scoreboard. The Wildcats hit pass plays of 24, 16 and 20 yards and were at the Georgia 24. Then Woerner struck again. He recorded his second interception of the game, and the Bulldogs fourth of the night. Georgia marched to the Kentucky 19, but turned the ball over on a fumble.
It was the Bulldogs second "red zone" turnover, but the defense and special teams were dominant. Georgia finished Plus Three in turnovers.
On the Blue and White's final possession, Kentucky didn't get past its own 29 and punted away to Woerner.
Georgia ran out the clock and, holy smokes, it was 7-0 for the first time since 1971.
The Aftermath
Walker had 131 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, and Arnold pulled in four receptions for 127 yards - highlighted by the 91-yard score. Woerner, Hipp and Robinson built their All-American resumes.
The defense was tremendous. It was a second straight shutout, the third in seven games and the fourth time Georgia held the opposition out of the end zone.
Nall was awarded the game ball.
This was the ultimate TEAM.
The record was now 7-0, 4-0 in the SEC and the Bulldogs moved to No. 4 in the national polls, as Texas, which was No. 2, lost to the Pony Express of SMU. It was Alabama, UCLA, Notre Dame and Georgia. There were the Dogs, No. 4 in the nation.
On deck was No. 14 South Carolina, led by their Heisman candidate, from Duluth, Ga., George Rogers. The Gamecocks had beaten Georgia the last two years, and came in at 6-1, having lost only at Southern Cal, while registering a monster win at Michigan the following week.
What an opportunity.
Â
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