News / Sports
AP Top 25 Scores Saturday: Georgia 15, #18 Georgia Tech 12
For the sixth straight year the University of Georgia knocked off in-state rival Georgia Tech. For Georgia, the 15-12 victory brought some consolation to an otherwise disappointing season while Georgia Tech still has an ACC Championship game to play.
Georgia was led by freshman Matthew Stafford who threw for 171 yards and a touchdown. More importantly Stafford didn’t commit a single turnover throughout the game. While Stafford was impressive leading the Bulldogs offense, it was Georgia’s defense that was the true story of the game.
The Dogs defense forced three turnovers against the Yellow Jackets including a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. They also shut down the Jackets explosive wide-receiver Calvin Johnson who was held to just two receptions for 13 yards.
While the Dogs defense did their part in shutting down Johnson, it was the ineffective play by Yellow Jackets quarterback Reggie Ball that proved to be the difference. Ball completed just 6 of 22 passes for 42 yards and threw two interceptions.
It was a Reggie Ball fumble late in the third quarter that gave the Bulldogs their first lead. Tony Taylor came up with the loose ball and scrambled 29 yards down the sideline to put the Dogs on the board. Tech answered with Travis Bell’s second field goal to cut the Georgia lead to 7-6.
Tech then took the lead in the fourth quarter on a Tashard Choice 10 yard touchdown run and a 12-7 advantage. Tech’s two point attempt was stopped and they had to settle for a five point advantage.
That opening proved to be the difference as Stafford marched the Dogs 60 yards down to the Tech four yard line and then found Mohamed Massaquoi in the back of the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass with just 1:45 remaining. Their two point attempt was good and the Dogs held a 15-12 lead.
Reggie Ball ended the game with an interception. Tech was led by Tashard Choice who had a big game on the ground, rushing for 146 yards and a touchdown. Tech will await the result of tonight’s Wake Forrest/Maryland match to find out who they will face off against in the ACC Championship
