BULLDOGS GAME IN BITS & PIECES
SATURDAY’S STAR
Junior receiver Mecole Hardman appears to have an indefinite lease on this spot, adding to his stellar season with a 5-yard touchdown catch to cap Georgia’s opening possession and then producing a 70-yard punt return midway through the second quarter to make the score 28-0.
SATURDAY’S STAT
The Bulldogs racked up 261 rushing yards on 35 carries for 7.5 yards per rush. Running backs Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien and receivers Tyler Simmons and Demetris Robertson had rushes of more than 20 yards, but starting running back D’Andre Swift had just four first-quarter carries for 12 yards.
TURNING POINT
The Bulldogs were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the opening kickoff and faced a third-and-6 at their 17-yard line when MTSU was penalized for being offside. Now facing a third-and-1, Swift picked up 2 yards to move the chains, and Holyfield broke free two plays later for a 66-yard run.
HIGHLIGHT PLAY
Hardman received a chewing from coach Kirby Smart in the first quarter for letting the ball roll to the 6-yard line, but he took his 70-yard return midway through the second straight up the middle before heading right and blowing past MTSU punter Matthew Bonadies inside the 30 to cap the dazzling score.
WHAT IT MEANS
Saturday’s game was moved up more than seven hours due to the uncertainity of Hurricane Florence, but the Bulldogs didn’t seem affected by the change of plans, taking a 21-0 lead on the first play of the second quarter. Now it’s back on the road and another noon start this Saturday at Missouri.