Georgia football game recap: Bulldogs pull away from Kentucky, 21-0
ATHENS Georgia's defense came to play and Kirby Smart planned accordingly Saturday night. The No. 10-ranked Bulldogs (6-1, 3-1 SEC) recorded their second shutout of the season, blanking Kentucky 21-0 amid heavy rain and gusting winds at Sanford Stadium. Tailback D'Andre Swift rushed for 179 yards and two touchdowns as UGA played mistake-free football on offense, pounding the Wildcats with its giant offensive line and productive run game. Kentucky managed just 177 yards of total offense, not completing a pass until there was just 4 1/2 minutes left. Jake Fromm was 9-of-12 passing for 35 yards, deferring to a ground game that picked up steam has the minutes passed by. Georgia rushed for 235 yards on 42 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the second half to pull away. Georgia has a bye next Saturday before returning to action at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 against Florida in Jacksonville. Here's how the game broke down: Fourth Quarter Georgia 21, Kentucky 0, 6:24:D'Andre Swift 3-yard run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick). Drive:13 plays, 92 yards, 8:18. Key Play: Brian Herrien 14-yard run. Kentucky stopped on fourth-and-goal at 8-yard line, 14:42. Third Quarter Georgia 14, Kentucky 0, 1:54: Brian Herrien 8-yard run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick). Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:36. Key play: D'Andre Swift 11-yard run. Georgia 7, Kentucky 0, 6:20: D'Andre Swift 39-yard run (Rodrigo Blankenship kick. Drive: One play, 39 yards, 11 seconds. Key play: 15-yard shanked Kentucky punt. HALFTIME NOTES It's the first scoreless first half in a Georgia game since 1991, when the Bulldogs played Alabama in Tuscaloosa, losing 10-0. Georgia held Kentucky without a completed pass. Georgia held Kentucky to 52 yards of total offense. UAG lead the SEC and ranks sixth in the nation in scoring defense (12.3 ppg). Freshman WR George Pickens made his first career start. SECOND QUARTER Georgia explosive plays: Fromm to Pickens, 22 yards D'Andre Swift 23-yard run D'Andre Swift 20-yard run Jake Fromm 8-of-11, 28 yards; Lynn Bowden 0-of-3 passing D'Andre Swift 9-81 rushing; Lynn Bowden 7-26 George Pickens 3-28 receiving Georgia stopped on fourth-and-1 at 50-yard line, 8:51 FIRST QUARTER 53 degrees, feels like 49, winds at 14 mph, rain Georgia wins toss, will receive SEC Saturday 10-19-19 Auburn 51, Arkansas 10, Final Florida 38, South Carolina 27, Final LSU 36, Mississippi State 13, Final Vanderbilt 21, Missouri 14, Final Texas A&M at Ole Miss, 7:30 p.m. kickoff Tennessee at Alabama, 9 p.m. kickoff Pregame Mecole Hardman leads calling of the Dawgs CB DJ Daniel announced as a starter; CB Tyson Campbell (foot) appears full-speed in warmups, questionable to play First-team offensive line in warmups: LT Andrew Thomas, LG Cade Mays, C Trey Hill, RG Ben Cleveland, RT Isaiah Wilson George Pickens announced as a starter along with Demetris Robertson and Tyler Simmons in WR corps BIG TEN UPSET: No. 6 Wisconsin falls as 30-point underdog to Illinois SEC Scores: See Below ATHENS Georgia football opens the second half of the season looking for improvement, and it starts with players stepping up and emerging. The No. 10-ranked Bulldogs play host to Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Saturday in a game that should provide plenty of opportunities for players on all levels. Redshirt freshman Kearis Jackson is back from a broken hand and could break out, and Coach Kirby Smart has continued to praise the improvement of linebackers Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. Freshman defensive back Tyrique Stevenson was identified as one of the most promising players in spring drills and at the start of fall camp, and he could be on the verge of taking the next step. 'He's really improving, he's coming in, he's meeting more,' UGA cornerback Eric Stokes said, asked about Stevenson's progress. 'He's finally learning the ropes, like, I need to come in and start doing a little bit.' 'He was going through a freshman slump like anybody, it's just a learning experience, but he's finally starting to pick it up.' Smart said Stevenson has looked better in practices of late, too. ' Tyrique had a good week of practice last week and he actually played in the game when Mark Webb's injury occurred,' Smart said, reflecting on Stevenson's snaps against South Carolina. 'He had two opportunities to make tackles he missed those opportunities one was on a close sack, 'I think that's more of an experience of playing not a lack of ability. But those are the growing pains you have to go through when you play guys who are getting their first considerable playing time. But he's still in a battle at (dime defensive back) to play, he's in a battle at corner. He's becoming a better practice player.' Pregame Reads Former UGA star Eric Zeier gives his take on Bulldogs' offense Podcast: D'Andre Swift's comments on offense gain attention Kirby Smart concerned about the weather conditions' Promising Nolan Smith grows, expands role Receivers must step up, beat press coverage Closer look: How Georgia's offense adds up The post Georgia football game recap: Bulldogs pull away from Kentucky, 21-0 appeared first on DawgNation.
WATCH: UGA security guard embracing rain with sweet dance moves prior to kickoff against Kentucky
Even if Georgia bounces back from its tough loss last week, it could be a very gloomy at Sanford Stadium on Saturday night because of the weather. The forecast is calling for 70 percent chance of rain when Georgia and Kentucky kick off at 6 pm ET, and it's expected to continue raining all night. If players don't embrace the elements, then the misery index will be high. That stands true for the fans and workers at Sanford Stadium as well. But the people arriving early at the stadium appear to be in good spirits. One Georgia security guard at the stadium had no problem embracing the rain and even appeared to be enjoying it, dancing like nobody was watching. Security guard also undeterred by the nasty weather in Sanford. Nice moves. pic.twitter.com/h0mXwksm1k Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) October 19, 2019 They got my man some special effects pic.twitter.com/JSH6DAhaPv Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) October 19, 2019 Although they weren't dancing, there were still some Georgia fans tailgating as usual ahead of the Bulldogs-Wildcats matchup. Folks braving the elements to keep tradition alive. These are definitely the 'there are only so many football Saturdays' people, and I applaud the dedication pic.twitter.com/uSFxbSKzlf Jake Reuse (@ReuseRecruiting) October 19, 2019 The Bulldogs hope to be dancing with their sixth win of the season when the night ends. Georgia is favored by 25.5 points. Last year, Georgia defeated Kentucky at Lexington, 34-17. The post WATCH: UGA security guard embracing rain with sweet dance moves prior to kickoff against Kentucky appeared first on DawgNation.
