As recently as Tuesday, even coach Richt seemed hesitant to give a vote of confidence to his team—apparently balking at the mere idea that they were favored by nearly two scores over a Volunteers program that very nearly sent the LSU Tigers to a bitter end the week prior.
What a difference a week and a change in philosophy can make for one football team.
This week the Georgia Bulldogs finally walked away from the football field with a win, and they looked quite impressive doing so. They secured their first SEC win of the year and their second win of the season by defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 41-14 at Sanford Stadium.
It was clear from the first possession of the game that this was going to be a different football team on this week. The tell-tale sign appeared when Tennessee was not allowed to score on their first possession.
That may seem like small potatoes, but Georgia has been horrid over the last four weeks at doing just that.
Starting in week two, the Georgia defense allowed the opposition to score on its first possession each and every week. Georgia's offense took the field, in each of their last four games, trailing their opponent. So, the fact that they were able to get a stop on the first defensive series against Tennessee, and follow that up with a touhdown, on the first offensive possession, was a welcome sight for Georgia Bulldog fans.
Even more, Georgia did not give up the big plays that have killed them over the losing stretch.
Aside from a huge catch and run by Justin Hunter in the second quarter, and a 2-yard run by Tauren Poole near the end of the third quarter, Tennessee found it difficult to sustain a drive against Georgia's defense. Tennessee quarterback, Matt Simms did the best he could under duress, but he never got comfortable in the pocket, and that led to an inability to find any offensive rhythm against the Bulldogs.
The defense looked as good as it did in week one against Louisiana, and it was clear that Justin Houston, Akeem Dent, Brandon Boykin, and Christian Robinson were all playing with a little extra something under their helmet on Saturday, because all made some significant plays at key moments in the game.
This was the win that the Georgia Bulldogs and their fans needed. It was long overdue and could be just what the doctor ordered for a beleaguered and put-upon coaching staff that has witnessed its fair share of criticism over the past month.
While there can be no guarantees offered the rest of the way, for once, in what seems like a long while, the Georgia Bulldogs can celebrate a win in Athens.
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