Georgia squeezes by South Carolina, 14 -7

Georgia squeezes by South Carolina, 14 -7

Saturday’s Southeastern Conference college football game between the Georgia and the South Carolina Gamecocks was another in the series of low scoring defensive showdowns. While the number two ranked Bulldogs dominated the time of possession, the defensive unit from South Carolina contained their opponents potent offense limiting them to just two field goals in the first half and a lone touchdown in the later half of the game.

Georgia got on the board first with a field goal in the first quarter after their drive bogged down. They were forced to settle for Blair Walsh's 23-yard field goal after having a third-and-goal at the South Carolina 1.

Coach Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks took the lead with a touchdown that left Coach Marc Richt’s Bulldogs trailing for the first time all season. Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley's 34-yard touchdown pass to Moe Brown was the only score allowed by the Bulldogs stingy defense.

Georgia’s offense faced a formidable defense as well, and was forced to settle for another 3 field goal just as the half clock expired.

Despite dominating time of possession Georgia was unable to change the 6 to 7 score until midway through the third period when they put together a seven play 80 yard touchdown drive. The Dawg’s fleet footed Matthew Stafford led the drive when he tucked the ball on a long quarterback keeper. Running back Knowshon Moreno scored the go ahead touchdown on a short sliding run around the left side, weaving his way through Gamecock defenders into the end zone.

With the scoreboard reading 12 to 7, Georgia opted to go for two on the extra point conversion. Stafford connected with Kris Durham to make the score 14 to 7.

The remainder of the game was fought in the trenches. The Gamecocks had opportunities, like when they drove to the two yard line omly to fumble the scoring chance away.

Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran jarred the ball loose when South Carolina’s running back tried to leap over the scrimmage line pileup. The ball ended up in the arms of the Dogs defensive leader, cornerback Asher Allen in the end zone for a touchback. However they were unable to capitalize on the potential big momentum changing turnover and were forced to punt the ball away a few plays later.

Georgia’s special teams punter Brian mimbs came in and boomed the ball down field more than 70 yards to turn field around and pin South Carolina deep.

South Carolina looked as if they might mount a sustained drive but after confusion in play calling the drive was halted on fourth and two yards to go, on an incomplete pass.

South Carolina’s defense again contained Georgia and the stymied Bulldogs allowed the Gamecocks one more last chance to score a touchdown and force overtime. With less than two minutes left on the clock and no timeouts, the drive was aided by two pass interference calls against the Georgia defense.

Undeterred by the costly calls, the Bulldogs tightened their coverage and Reshad Jones intercepted Smelley's pass with 13 seconds left to kill drive and lock up win.

The two Gamecock turnovers in the fourth quarter had the "Old Ball Coach" Spurrier so frustrated by his offenses inability to execute his game plan that he threw his visor, clipboard and headset during the game.