Although the Georgia Bulldogs can win games in multiple ways, their preferred method of doing it is to play great defense and pound the rock with conviction offense. Because the secondary could not be trusted vs. Joey Aguilar and the Tennessee Volunteers' aerial attack, the Dawgs had to win this one in Knoxville slightly differently. In the end, their ability to run the ball effectively is why they won it.
Dissecting all that went right and wrong for both teams in Georgia's 44-41 overtime victory over Tennessee is not for the faint of heart. For the time being, sweet victory covers up some of the awful stink permeating from this flawed Georgia team. That being said, Georgia's willingness to stay committed to the ground game is why the Dawgs are 3-0 instead of the Vols after this wild ballgame.
Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo does deserve some criticism. He once again got too cute on critical late-game possessions. His jet sweep game was non-existent. It was actually a problem for Georgia. His play-calling had its moments, but carrying the ball 55 times when compared to 32 pass attempts, eventually the levees broke in Georgia's favor. They proved more physical than Tennessee.
Gunner Stockton hit pay dirt once and Josh McCray hit it twice when it mattered most to win this.
Georgia's commitment to the ground game is why Dawgs beat the Vols
In those 55 carries, eight players had at least one touch on the ground and five had at least five carries on the day. Nate Frazier led the way with 14 carries for a game-high 73 yards, including the big run to help set up McCray's game-winning touchdown. Stockton had 13 rushes for 38 yards and a touchdown. McCray had seven carries for 17 yards and two huge touchdowns for the UGA offense.
Not to be lost in all this, Chauncey Bowens had 12 carries for 32 yards and Dwight Phillips Jr. had five touches out of the backfield for 29 yards. Again, depth is not going to be an issue for this team when it comes to its skill-position players. There are plenty of guys for Stockton to hand the ball off to, as well as throw the ball down the field to. The offensive line can be better, but it is what it is right now...
Furthermore, Georgia is starting to develop an identity on offense in the early part of the season. It is the perfect combination of using the run to open up the pass. Because they have more horses in their stable than most of the teams they will play, they can use this depth to their advantage to squeeze the life out of the opposition. Tennessee should have won this game, but let the Dawgs back in this.
Right now, the Dawgs are 3-0 on the year, 1-0 in SEC play and just beat a top-20 team on the road.