Georgia shakes off Vandy in SEC opener

McCrary’s pass in the end zone.

The Commodores held the ball for nearly 33 minutes and were outgained only 422-400 on offense. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason

“We had a hard time stopping Chubb,” Mason said. “We had guys try, but you have to make plays.”

The Bulldogs’ rough start included Carter being ejected on the second defensive series early in the opening minutes. He was flagged for targeting after hitting Johnny McCrary high helmet to helmet, popping the quarterback’s helmet off. Marshall Morgan missed a 37-yard field goal in the opening quarter so badly left and short that it looked as if it had been blocked.

Morgan missed a 43yarder wide left in the fourth.

Luckily, Chubb and McKenzie got Georgia going.

Pinned at his own 9, Chubb broke off a 68yard run and only missed scoring when Vandy cornerback Tre Herndon chased him down on the sideline. The Bulldogs forced a three-and-out, and McKenzie returned the ensuing punt for a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. The sophomore sat out the opener because of a sore hamstring, and McKenzie turned in the third TD off a punt return for his career.

Michel finished off the drive giving Georgia a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. Georgia had only 25 yards passing at halftime on nine pass attempts.

“We have to be more balanced than we were today,” Richt said.

Vanderbilt missed a chance to pull within 14-9 when Tommy Openshaw clanked a 44yard field goal attempt off the left upright after connecting from 47 and 41 yards.

The Bulldogs seized control in the third quarter, outgaining Vandy 143-10 and scoring 10 points. Morgan kicked a field goal after Wilkerson’s interception, and Lambert finished off a drive with a 5-yard TD run of his own.