COLUMBIA, S.C. — A one-day delay because of Hurricane Matthew did not affect the Georgia football team—except perhaps its passing game—as the Bulldogs defeated South Carolina by a 28-14 score on Sunday afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium.
Georgia freshman quarterback Jacob Eason completed just 5 of 17 passes for a mere 29 yards, and was intercepted once, marking the first time in more than a quarter-century the Bulldogs were limited to as few passing yards since throwing for only 28 in a 33-10 loss at Auburn in 1990. Nevertheless, the Dogs grounded out 326 rushing yards against the ‘Cocks—Georgia’s most since gaining 367 against Troy more than two years ago during the 2014 season—resulting in a Bulldogs’ victory—their first when passing for less than 30 yards since the 1988 season opener against Tennessee (25 passing yards in a 28-17 win over the Volunteers).
Veteran backs Sony Michel (133 yards) and Nick Chubb (121 yards) both surpassed the 100-yard mark, while freshman Brian Herrien nearly hit triple digits as well with 82 yards of his own. Chubb also rushed for two touchdowns—the ninth time in his Georgia career he has rushed for two-plus scores. Georgia is now a perfect 9-0 when Chubb rushes for two or more touchdowns.
On the defensive side, Georgia was able to largely limit South Carolina’s offensive attack. The Bulldogs forced three turnovers—all resulting in the first half—while allowing just 318 total yards (more than half of which resulted on their two scoring drives). For the game, USC was held to 2-for-13 on third downs, and was sacked five times after the Bulldogs tallied just six sacks in their first five games of the season.
“We wanted to keep fighting,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart following the victory. “I wouldn’t expect anything less out of this group. They work hard every day.”
Such hard work was evident as the Bulldogs drove 73 yards in seven plays on the game’s initial possession, which was capped by a 15-yard touchdown run by Chubb with just under 12 minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
After the defense held South Carolina at bay for the rest of the first quarter, the Bulldogs turned a Malkom Parrish interception into points to start the second frame. Chubb scored from one yard out capping an eight-play, 28-yard drive, giving Georgia a 14-0 lead at the half—the first time in almost two years to the day (at Missouri on October 11, 2014) that that the Bulldogs had held a conference foe scoreless in the first half.
Georgia appeared like it was going to extend its lead in the third quarter even further until an Eason pass was tipped and deflected high in the air before being intercepted by South Carolina at its own 10-yard line. The Gamecocks drove 90 yards in 12 plays to a touchdown, cutting their deficit in half, 14-7.
The Bulldogs took advantage of a drive that started in plus-territory early in the fourth quarter, boosted by runs of 14 and 18 yards by Herrien. Eason and Isaiah McKenzie then hooked up for a six-yard touchdown on third and goal to put Georgia firmly in control at 21-7 with 11:43 remaining in the contest.
South Carolina struck for its second touchdown with just 1:40 remaining in the game. However, Georgia immediately responded when Terry Godwin scooped up the ensuing onside-kick attempt and ran it back for 43 yards and a touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a 28-14 advantage.
