Outback Bowl – Georgia falls in overtime to Michigan State

By Brent Zell

Great first half. Complete opposite second half.

No, this isn’t a repeat of the SEC title game wrap-up, but a new second-half nightmare for the Georgia football team. The Bulldogs were dominant in the first half, but eventually fell to Michigan State 33-30 in triple overtime Monday in a wild 2012 Outback Bowl in Tampa.

Like the SEC title game loss to LSU last month, Georgia (10-4) was great defensively in the first half, holding the Spartans (11-3) to just two first downs en route to a 16-0 lead. But thanks to smart adjustments on offense and two interceptions off UGA quarterback Aaron Murray in the second half – one of which was returned for a touchdown – Michigan State fought back to force overtime with an 85-yard touchdown drive in the final two minutes, then got a field goal of its own and a blocked field goal attempt by UGA for the win.

The loss ruined some classic Bulldog performances. Amongst them, senior defensive back Brandon Boykin made a safety, returned a punt for a touchdown and also scored on a pass, while wide receiver Tavarres King had 205 yards receiving.

And now, some thoughts while my exhausted brain is still functioning:

• Not to say that game was long, but has anyone seen “The Dark Knight Rises”? Was it good? Is “The Avengers” out on DVD yet?
• I still think Georgia was the better all-around team in that game. But Michigan State had the best part of either team: it’s defensive linemen. They not only destroyed the Dawgs offense most of the day, but it played its best at the most important time. William Gholston got a sack on third down in the third overtime, and came up with a sack and Anthony Rashad White blocked the field goal on what ended up being the last play.
• Close runner-up to the Spartans defensive line was the play of Georgia’s defensive backs. For the most part, they came up with the big breakup or key solo tackle all day long on third downs.
• And yet, Michigan State turned it around by finding holes in that secondary over the middle and pounding that area until the UGA defense cracked. Great patience and ability to adapt on the part of Michigan State’s coaching staff and players today.

Whew. What a day. What did you think of the Outback Bowl? Sound off in our comments section and on Twitter. Thanks for following.