Nine freshmen contribute to Bulldogs’ win

Led by right guard Cordy Glenn and kicker Blair Walsh, nine freshmen got on the field at Sanford Stadium on Saturday. And not only did some play — they shined.

Walsh showed off his leg when he connected on his first field goal attempt, a 52-yarder.

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Pouya Dianat/pdianat@ajc.com

Caleb King lead all rushers with 95 yards on the ground.

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“When I got up to the kick I was like ‘man, I really got to get a hold of this.This is 52 yards and this is my first kick,’ ” he said. “I actually didn’t get to see the whole kick because Tripp Chandler pretty much drilled me [in celebration]. I thought I broke my rib.”

Quarterback Matthew Stafford found wide receiver A.J. Green on the first snap of his career for a 36-yard reception. Midway through the fourth quarter Green snatched a 4-yard touchdown pass.

Though Caleb King finished as the game’s leading rusher, freshman Richard Samuel played ahead of him and rushed 34 yards on six carries.

Split end Tavarres King, defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson, linebacker Marcus Dowtin, center Ben Jones and cornerback Brandon Boykin also played.

Of course, there were some missteps during the game.

Green was cited for an offsides penalty during Georgia’s second possession, and Samuel fumbled late in the first half, but coach Mark Richt didn’t seem too worried about the gaffe.

“Richard seemed a little bit uptight [after the fumble],” Richt said. “I said, ‘Look, you’re going to get another chance. Don’t worry about it.”’