Georgia’s defense confident about next season

There was nothing Georgia’s defenders could do to erase the shame they felt about their performance this season. But they feel a lot better heading into next season after Thursday’s showing against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl.

The Bulldogs limited the Spartans to 236 yards, an average of 3.2 yards per play, and had a season-high six sacks en route to the 24-12 victory. More importantly, they did it when the offense and special teams often gave them poor field position. The Bulldogs had two turnovers and mishandled a punt.

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Pouya Dianat / pdianat@ajc.com

Georgia linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (33) celebrates a tackle in the first half.

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“We wanted to show the world on a national stage what we’re about and where we’re headed next year,” sophomore linebacker Rennie Curran said. “We had great weeks of practice. Our guys were motivated from the beginning to the end. Our guys realized at times during the season we only played 30 minutes. We didn’t finish. This time we did.”

One of MSU’s players said earlier this week that if ran straight at Georgia they’d back up.

“We just felt like we got disrespected,” said senior tackle Corvey Irvin, who had one sack. “They called us out in the media and we felt like we had something to prove.”

All-America tailback Javon Ringer was held to 47 yards on 20 carries and Michigan State averaged 0.9 yards a rush.

“We came into the game saying we were going to stop their best player Javon Ringer and we did that,” defensive coordinator Willie Martinez said.

Defensive end Jarius Wynn led the Bulldogs with two sacks, Asher Allen paced the team with nine tackles and also had sack. Ellerbe, DeAngelo Tyson, Demarcus Dobbs and Justin Houston also got the quarterback.

Best of all, Georgia generated pressure without blitzing. The Dogs had 18 sacks coming into the game after leading the SEC with 42 last season.

“I love to get pressure without blitzing, baby,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “That’s what has made us tick for years.”