As expected, the 13th ranked Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 35-14, yesterday to open the 2007 college football season. UGA controlled the game throughout, but the Cowboys were still in it at halftime, trailing only by 7.
But that's when UGA's much questioned young defense stepped up to the plate, made some adjustments, and shutout the Pokes in the 2nd half. OSU's offense was ranked in the top 10 in both yardage and scoring last year, averaging 500 yards of offense, including high powered showings vs. OU, Texas, a rout of Nebraska, and a win over SEC rival, Alabama.
UGA's other trouble spot, the offensive line, did a good job. They should continue to improve barring injuries. They only gave up 2 sacks on Stafford. And did well enough to spring Brown free for 2 TD's, and Southerland for another. Freshaman sensation Knowshon Moreno wowed the crowd with his moves and his speed.
Speaking of Matthew Stafford, the UGA QB went 18 of 24 for 234 yards with 2 TD's and 0 INT's. The difference in his poise and control of the offense is like night and day from this time last year. His WR's did a great job of holding onto the ball, which was a problem last year. And it was great to see SR. Sean Bailey have a good game after missing all of last year with an injury.
And how 'bout Mikey Henderson's big punt return? He backpeddled to his own 5 and ran 70 yards down to OSU's 25. That return all but sealed the Cowboys' fate.
For a better recap of the game, here's what the Athens Banner-Herald had to say.
From a Cowboy perspective, here's one blogger's take on UGA, Athens, and southern football in general.
Next up: The South Carolina Gamecocks
2 comments:
I enjoyed watching that one. I thought the O-line, which supposedly was going to be suspect, did a good job opening holes and getting the backs through. The rest of the year will be tougher (being in the SEC) but things sure have started off well.
It was a lot of fun to watch Steve. But if we don't win this week, then last week really doesn't mean an awful lot. We'll face several better defenses than the one we saw starting with South Carolina's - who I think returns more starters on that side of the ball than anyone.
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