Georgia dominated the stat sheet, but struggled to put away a game Ole Miss squad in Oxford today in a 27-13 win. It was the Bulldogs’ first SEC win of the year, which came as a welcome sight to embattled head coach Mark Richt.
Richt’s bunch led 24-13 at the half, then scored just three second half points despite numerous scoring opportunities. Kicker Blair Walsh missed three field goals, as the Dawgs lived in Ole Miss territory for much of the game. Georgia rolled up 475 yards of total offense, including 206 on the ground.
Defensively, the Bulldogs held the Rebels to just 36 yards rushing while two Ole Miss quarterbacks combined to throw for 149 yards.
Running back Isaiah Crowell ran for a career-best 147 yards on 30 carries, while quarterback Aaron Murray had another productive day, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
Another Georgia freshman had a great day, as receiver Malcolm Mitchell had 92 yards on three catches, including a game-best 69-yard reception in the second quarter.
Although the Bulldogs’ special teams had a rough day with field goals and kick coverage, punter Drew Butler had a monster game. Butler kicked four times for a ridiculous 55.2 yards per punt average. Meanwhile, Ole Miss punter Tyler Campbell had a prolific way as well, kicking nine times for a 50.8-yard average. It was certainly one of the best games for punters in the annals of college football.
But despite the heavy statistical edge, Georgia found themselves in a fight for most of the afternoon. The Bulldogs led 17-0 and 24-7 in the first half but went into the locker room up 24-13 after allowing an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the second quarter.
It was Georgia’s ninth consecutive win over Ole Miss, a program they historically have had trouble with. After losing five of eight between 1989 and 1996, the Bulldogs have dominated the series of late and now lead the all-time series 31-12-1.
The Dawgs will face another SEC West foe next week when the Mississippi State Bulldogs travel to Athens. Last year, the “Bizarro Dogs” ended a nine-game losing streak to their Athens opponents.
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