Lilly’s Dawg Blog
DAWGS 45 – Tech 21
The Dawgs routed Tech in the annual season-ending rivalry game. The game was over before it even started due to UGA’s superior talent, this year, on both sides of the ball. Tech did make a game of it in the first quarter, but in the end, the score could have been whatever UGA wanted it to be. I think the Tech fans knew this was possible because there were the lowest amount of Jackets fans in Sanford stadium I have ever seen. It was truly a one-sided affair on the field and in the stands.
Elijah Holyfield had 9 carries for 79 yards. With a long run of 39 yards
D’Andre Swift had 14 carries for 105 yards. Long of 28.
Riley Ridley had 2 touchdown catches.
The offense was once again lead by the rushing of the Dawgs two stellar backs Swift and Holyfield. The team had 285 yards rushing with an average of 6.8 yards on the day. The offensive line had another great day opening holes for long runs and protecting Jake Fromm. The sophomore quarterback went 13/16 for 175 yards and 4 touchdowns. It was another steady and impressive performance from the team leader who was helped, again, by a stable of great receivers. Georgia had eight different receivers with receptions, and they were lead by Mecole Hardman with 44 yards receiving. Riley Ridley had 2 touchdowns, and Issac Nauta had 4 receptions for 36 yards.
The defense has played better and better all year, and they put in their best performance against the nations top rushing offense last Saturday. The Jackets came into the game averaging over 400 yards of rushing per game! Several times this year I tuned into the Tech game to watch them lose only to see them run all over good teams. However, the Georgia defense was ready and waiting for the tricky triple option this year. Fan favorite Jonathon Ledbetter lead the way with 9 total tackles and 5 solos. I was happy to see the senior have a great day in his last home game. The Tech offense did not have time to make plays due to the Dawgs being in the backfield all day. TaQuon Marshall is a good player and a good team leader, but he was hit and thrown around all day. On many plays, he did not have time to even think about an option because he was running away from a defender. Jerry Howard is another fine football player who has put up good rushing numbers all year. The Dawgs were able to hold the talented running back to on 39 yards of rushing. In the end, Tech had only 128 yards rushing for the game, and I was totally surprised we were able to shut them down. The defense is playing so well I am being to think we may have a shot in the SEC Championship.
During the second quarter, UGA track star Keturah Orji was honored on the field for being named the NCAA Woman of the year. I have followed her career because she was a 2016 Olympian in the triple jump at the Rio de Janeiro games. Keturah is a 15-time first-team All-American and 8-time NCAA individual national champion. She was also a leader and a major contributor on the UGA NCAA championship indoor track team. I have always been impressed with this young lady, and I can say she is one of the best athletes to ever come out of the University of Georgia. She is another in a long list of Damn Good Dawgs.
The Dawgs do run this state for the next year. It is always a good year not having to listen to my Ga. Tech friends brag about their every so often victory. I do need to say that I saw the Tech players keep their heads up and play hard the entire game. A lot of UGA fans booed when Paul Johnson called a timeout late in the game trying to score a touchdown. I did not have a have a problem with that because his players needed to know that he still cared about them playing well. As I was writing this, I got a notice on my phone that coach Johnson was retiring. I am sure he was asked to step down, but he will not be on the sidelines next year. I guess he has other fish to fry in the future. Tech will be in transition next year, and I will start the year hoping we can once again beat our bitter rival. I have no doubt the Jackets will be looking to restore their past glory even though I hate to admit it!
Next up is the SEC Championship game against number one Alabama. I am proud to be back in the SEC Championship game. I don’t think we can beat this juggernaut of a team this year. I don’t think we have the defense to stop them from scoring. However, I trust in Kirby and I love our team. So, Go Dawgs.