Georgia football: The Bulldogs top-5 games played in the Georgia Dome

3. 2006 Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Virginia Tech

Who else remember’s how fun the end of the 2006 season was? After four losses in five games in the middle of the season, Georgia was supposed to lose the last two games and play in some minor bowl game.

Instead, Georgia played loose against two highly ranked opponents to upset Auburn and Georgia Tech. Georgia somehow ended the season 8-4 and found themselves playing their second straight bowl game in Atlanta. This time, Georgia met no. 14 Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Hokies were a slim favorite.

After Georgia took a 3-0 after one-quarter, Virginia Tech scored 21 points on the second quarter to take a 21-3 lead into halftime. But the game oddly changed on a punt. Brian Mimbs pinned Virginia Tech on their own 10-yard line after Georgia’s first possession failed.

Georgia forced a three-and-out and Mikey Henderson returned a punt 19-yards, effectively flipping field position in Georgia’s favor. But the Bulldogs couldn’t sustain a drive and settled for a 51-yard field goal by Brandon Coutu.

However, Georgia needed another clutch play from Mimbs. Head Coach Mark Richt called a surprise onsides kick that Mimbs booted perfectly. He fell on the ball as it went 10 yards to give Georgia possession. Matthew Stafford and the Bulldogs offense marched right down field and finished with a touchdown pass to Matrez Milner. Momentum was firmly in Georgia’s favor at that point.

Tony Taylor, who at that point was already having a fine game, intercepted the Hokies quarterback early in the fourth quarter to give Georgia possession at the Bulldogs 35-yard line. Stafford then connected with Milner for 41 yards to put Georgia deep in Hokie territory. Kregg Lumpkin scored from three yards out and Milner caught a two-point conversion to tie the game at 21.

Virginia Tech’s quarterback fumbled on their very next play and Quentin Moses recovered to give the Bulldogs great field position. Coutu gave Georgia the lead with a 28-yard field goal. But Georgia wouldn’t be without the ball for long. Taylor intercepted a pass right after the kickoff and returned the ball to the Hokies 16-yard line.

Brannan Southerland scored from a yard out to extend Georgia’s lead to 31-21. Virginia Tech did manage a field goal late in the game, but Georgia didn’t allow much more from their offense after that. After falling behind 21-3 at halftime, Georgia completed the comeback to win the game 31-24.