DAWGS FALL: Tigers roll to win after UGA takes early lead

Georgia had its chances in the 2011 SEC Championship Game, but Tyrann Mathieu and No. 1 LSU proved to be too much today at the Georgia Dome in a 42-10 rout that got away from the Bulldogs in the third quarter. Mathieu returned a punt for a score in the first half, recovered a fumble at the start of the second half, then returned another punt deep into Georgia territory to insert himself back into the Heisman Trophy discussion.

Despite holding LSU to just 12 first half yards, Georgia led just 10-7 at the half. The punt return by Mathieu and mistakes by Georgia’s offense kept LSU in the game in the first half. Murray appeared to have hit wide receivers Tavarres King and Malcolm Mitchell for touchdowns, but neither player could handle the pass.

Murray did end up hitting Aron White for a score, but the Dawgs could do no more on offense for the rest of the game. Georgia had the momentum for much of the first half, but mistakes coupled with the lack of a serious running game doomed the Bulldogs in the end.

Coupled with a Blair Walsh 40-yard field goal, the touchdown staked the Dawgs a 10-0 first quarter lead. But a Mathieu punt return brought the Tigers to within three at the half and it seemed as if Georgia had missed it chance to upset the undefeated Tigers.

The second half would be all LSU. The Tigers capitalized immediately on a fumble by Murray, which was caused by Mathieu, at the Bulldog 26. Two plays later, Kenny Hilliard gave the Tigers their first lead of the game on a 15-yard run.

Following a three-and-out by Georgia, Mathieu returned a punt to the Bulldogs 17. With prime field position again, the Tigers had no trouble extending their newly-earned lead. It took four plays, but Hilliard bowled in from the four.

The Tigers now led 21-10, and many watching nation-wide could sense an impending blowout. The lack of a Georgia running game allowed LSU to pin back its ears and come after Murray. The sophomore quarterback from Tampa had 114 passing yards in the first half, but just 49 in the second half.

With Georgia pressing to make plays offensively, LSU sprang its trap. The Tigers feasted on two subsequent Murray interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. LSU rushed for 202 yards in the second half against a tiring Georgia defense.

NOTES …

-Blair Walsh set an NCAA record by kicking a field goal in a game for the 44th time.

-LSU did not gain a first down in the entire first half. The Tigers went three-and-out their first seven times with the ball.

-Murray’s second quarter touchdown pass to Aron White gave him 35 for his career, which extended his school record for scoring passes.

-UGA’s successful onside kick was its first since the 2008 Alabama game.

-LSU punter Brad Wing’s 67-yard punt in the first half set an SEC championship game record.

-UGA punter Drew Butler had a 62-yard punt, which is the fourth-longest in SECCG history.

-Georgia led 10-7 at the half but became just the fifth team in 20 SECCGs to not hold on and win.

-LSU had 11 total yards after one quarter, 12 at the half and 135 after three quarters.

-UGA running back Isaiah Crowell was booed on separate occasions by the Bulldog faithful for repeatedly taking himself out of the game. He finished with 15 yards on 10 carries. He was also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.