The stage is set for a seismic Week 5 SEC clash between Georgia and Alabama teams that will be entering the showdown on significantly different notes. The No. 4 Crimson Tide throttled Wisconsin 42-10 on the road Saturday, while the No. 1 Bulldogs were fortunate to survive in a 13-12 victory at Kentucky.
Georgia was a 21.5-point favorite but turned in an offensively listless performance that raised plenty of concerns to be addressed during a Week 4 bye before it goes to play the Crimson Tide, who will also be coming off a bye. Georgia totaled just three first downs and 63 total yards in the first half as UK forced four straight punts.
The game’s only touchdown came with 12:20 remaining when Georgia’s Branson Robinson plunged in from 3 yards out to put the Bulldogs ahead 13-9. It capped a 10-play, 68-yard drive that seemed to flip the momentum back in Georgia’s favor.
But even then the Wildcats refused to back down, drawing within a point on Alex Raynor’s fourth field goal of the night with 8:01 remaining. Ultimately, the Dawgs took advantage of a cautious decision from UK coach Mark Stoops with the game hanging in the balance.
Faced with a fourth-and-8 at Georgia’s 47-yard line with 2:58 remaining, Stoops opted to play it safe and punt. His team had all its timeouts and had been great defensively. However, the choice backfired as Georgia picked up a pair of first downs that allowed it to nearly run out the clock. Kentucky got the football back deep in its own territory with under 9 seconds remaining. But after burning all their timeouts, the Wildcats were unable to get in position for a potential game-winning field goal.
What’s wrong with Georgia?
Georgia looked significantly better offensively in the second half as it amassed 199 yards…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/georgia-survives-kentucky-concerns-arise-as-no-1-bulldogs-struggle-past-wildcats-in-sec-opener/
Author : David Cobb
Publish date : 2024-09-15 04:40:54
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