The game that was
Georgia (3-2, 2-1 SEC) took a 21-3 lead in the first half and coasted to its third consecutive victory, 24-10 over Mississippi State in Sanford Stadium.
What we learned
1. The offense is stalling in the second half. Georgia scored three touchdowns and gained 237 yards in the first half, but scored no touchdowns and gained only 78 yards in the second half. In its past two games, the Bulldogs have scored six points (two field goals) in the second halves after scoring 45 in the first.
2. After several shaky seasons, the defense appears stellar. Georgia's defensive unit has allowed only one touchdown in the past three games -- two others were scored on a punt return and an interception return – and dominated Mississippi State, holding a run-first team to just 56 yards rushing.
3. Breakdowns are occurring in unexpected areas. Quarterback Aaron Murray threw three interceptions, giving him six for the season –- only two fewer than all of last year. And placekicker Blair Walsh missed another field-goal attempt, making him 6-for-12 this season after going 40-for-45 the past two seasons.
The numbers game
3
Consecutive SEC games in which freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell has rushed for 100-plus yards –- 118 vs. South Carolina, 147 vs. Ole Miss and 104 vs. Mississippi State (90 in the first half).
Sound bite
"We definitely have to work on finishing the games. We can't just play great in the first half and think the game is over."
-- UGA quarterback Aaron Murray
Loose ends
The win lifted Georgia's record above .500 for the first time since they were 1-0 at the start of last season. The Bulldogs fell to 1-4 last year before rallying to .500 at 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6. But they lost the next game each time they reached .500, finishing the season 6-7. . . . Tight end Orson Charles' touchdown catch Saturday was his team-leading fourth of the season. . . . Georgia is 17-6 all-time against Mississippi State. . . . Redshirt freshman wide receiver Michael Bennett made his first college start.
What's next
Georgia will play at Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Vols are fresh from an easy 41-10 victory over Buffalo. Quarterback Tyler Bray threw for four touchdowns, and wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers caught seven passes for 180 yards, including two TDs.
-- Tim Tucker
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