The 1996 season was a long time ago. The Georgia Bulldogs have not had a losing season since then and will look to keep that streak going today in the Autozone Liberty Bowl today at 3:30 p.m.
Across the field will be a familiar face to Bulldog fans. George O’Leary, who was head coach at Georgia Tech from 1994-2001, coaches the Golden Knights and would like nothing better than to upset his former nemesis. Despite beating Georgia three times in a row from 1998-2000, O’Leary left Tech with a 3-4 record against the Dawgs.
Today, O’Leary will try to beat the Bulldogs and win the Golden Knights’ first bowl game in school history. The Knights (10-3) are the Conference USA champions after defeating SMU 17-7 in the conference championship game on Dec. 4. UCF is in the BCS rankings at No. 25.
IMMOVEABLE OBJECT …
Standing in the Bulldogs’ way is the UCF defense, which is ranked No. 12 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 18 points per game. In games against BCS conference teams, the Knights fared a tad worse than their average. UCF gave up 28 and 17 respectively in two losses against NC State and Kansas State, both bowl teams. In conference play, the Knights lost just one game all season, to Southern Miss, who scored 31 points.
UCF is led by defensive end Bruce Miller and Darius Nall, who have combined for 15 sacks this season. Miller is a two-time conference player of the year.
If Georgia is to win this game, they must continue their streak of at least 30 points scored per game. But that may not be so easy against the UCF stop troops.
That job will fall on the shoulders of freshman quarterback Aaron Murray, who has been sensational for the Bulldogs. Murray has thrown for 2,851 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, both UGA freshman records. If he completes one TD pass against UCF, he will tie Matt Stafford’s all-time school mark. The Tampa native has led the Dawgs to seven straight games scoring 30 points and eight straight scoring 27 or more.
The Bulldogs have won four straight bowl games since losing to West Virginia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl.
Georgia and UCF have played once, a 24-23 UGA win in 1999.
Loading ...
