The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: Sports

First Quarter: UGA 7-Vanderbilt 0

Vanderbilt opened the game running the ball five straight times until Georgia forced the Commodores to punt. The Bulldogs started their first drive at their own 14-yard-line and drove down to Vanderbilt's 23 before coming up empty. Kicker Blair Walsh missed a 39-yard field goal try - his first miss under 50 this season. Vanderbilt took that momentum and strung a few good plays together until Vandy quarterback Mackenzi Adams threw an interception, one that was tipped in the air by safety C.J. Byrd and landed into the outstretched, diving arms of Reshad Jones. Georgia then went four plays down the field, highlighted by a 49-yard reception from Matthew Stafford to A.J. Green and capped off by a 17-yard touchdown snag from Stafford to Green. Green was the only Georgia receiver to catch a pass in the first quarter, catching four passes for 84 yards.

Second Quarter: UGA 14-Vanderbilt 7

Early in the second quarter, Georgia missed a second opportunity to put points on the board. Stafford faked a handoff left, rolled right and looked for a wide open Mohamed Massaquoi in the end zone. However, Stafford, on the run, threw the ball off his back foot and lofted the ball short as Vanderbilt defensive back D.J. Moore came down with the interception. A couple of possessions later, linebacker Darius Dewberry picked off a poorly thrown Adams throw which was the catalyst to Georgia's second scoring drive. Georgia marched down to Vandy's 9 before Stafford found Massaquoi in the end zone out of the I-form for a touchdown. Vanderbilt responded quickly, with the help of two pass interference penalties, moving the ball downfield in just 2:18. Vanderbilt took advantage of the penalties as Adams found Jamie Graham for an 18-yard touchdown just before the half.

Third Quarter: UGA 21-Vanderbilt 14

Georgia wasted no time offensively as it opened the second half receiving the ball. Stafford hit Green, again, for a 33-yard gain which ultimately set up an 11-yard Knowshon Moreno rushing touchdown - behind a crushing block by left tackle Clint Boling. After forcing Vandy to punt, Stafford threw his second interception of the game, a ball that was deflected at the line of scrimmage and wound up in Myron Lewis' hands. Vanderbilt capitalized as Adams hit Graham for another touchdown - his second touchdown grab over Georgia corner Bryan Evans.

Fourth Quarter: UGA 24-Vanderbilt 14

Georgia's defense buckled down in the fourth quarter, limiting Vanderbilt to only one first down. Georgia had a chance to put the game out of reach on a drive that lasted 5:39. However, Walsh missed a 37-yard field goal try on a kick that hit the right upright, giving Vanderbilt one last glimmer of hope. That glimmer flickered away after four plays as Georgia forced the Commodores into a turnover on downs with 2:08 remaining. Georgia ran the ball three times and let Walsh attempt another field goal with 22 seconds left remaining in the game. This time, the kick went through from 39 yards, leaving Vanderbilt no chance for any late game heroics.

- Jason Butt

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