Dogs’ Massaquoi impresses in loss

The Bulldogs didn’t have a lot of positive things to say after Saturday’s loss but one recipient of gushing praise was wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi.

The senior had a monster game for his career encore in Sanford Stadium. He tied a school record with three touchdown receptions and finished with a career-best 11 catches for 180 yards. He didn’t drop anything, hauling in passes that were high low and behind him. The Bulldogs felt he should have been credited for at least one more catch, which was ruled to have touched the ground.

“Mohamed is just a beautiful kid,” coach Mark Richt said. “He came here making plays right away. He’s a confident guy but there’s humility about him. He cares about other people. He was a tremendous leader because of that. He really took A.J. [Green] under his wing. He’s just kind of looking out for everybody.

“I just can’t imagine him not being voted [a permanent] team captain. The players vote but I would think they’ll honor him with that.”

Afterward Massaquoi wasn’t feeling too cheery. He couldn’t get past the loss.

“You don’t get a chance to redeem yourself,” he said. “There’s no more playing at Sanford Stadium. The next time I come back it’ll be as a fan, a spectator. So knowing that you just want to play your hardest. I’ll never get another chance to do this in my life.”

Massaquoi was asked if he’ll look back on Senior Day

“This will not be a good memory. No matter how good you play at the end of the day it’s still going to come out as a loss. It’s tough to lose to your rival because you don’t get a chance to redeem yourself.”