Georgia takes to the air this time

That wasn't a big surprise, given the Bulldogs' season-long struggle in the running game.

Despite featuring the same tailback tandem and the same offensive line that dominated the Jackets the year before, Georgia quickly realized it would have to throw the ball this time.

After running for 339 yards against Tech last year, Georgia could run for only 56 on 12 attempts in the first half Saturday -- 34 of those on one play by Washaun Ealey.

On the other hand, Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray -- showing no ill effects from the bruised sternum he suffered against Auburn on Nov. 13 -- completed 11 of 14 passes for 220 yards in the first half Saturday, including six of seven for 147 yards in the first quarter.  Georgia completed only eight passes for 76 yards in the entirety of last year's game against Tech.

Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green, who did not play in the 2009 Tech game because of a shoulder injury, caught four passes in the first half and three more in the third quarter. Murray also threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers in the first half -- 66 yards to Kris Durham, 32 yards to Orson Charles and 3 yards to Bruce Figgins.

The Bulldogs had a couple of promising runs to start its first possession of the second half, bursts of 27 and 12 yards by Caleb King. But a recurring problem of Georgia's run game this season -- untimely fumbles -- struck again on the end of King's 12-yard run. Tech recovered King's fumble at its 9-yard line.

The next time Georgia got the ball, Murray completed three consecutive passes to Green -- two of 17 yards and one of 14 -- to reach the Tech 16-yard line. From there, Georgia was able to run the ball in, although it took a fourth-and-inches run from Ealey to get there. That put Georgia ahead 28-21.

Through three quarters, Georgia had 111 yards rushing and 268 passing.

The Bulldogs entered Saturday 10th in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 147.1 yards per game.