Best Of UGA - Vol. 3 / Pt. 2 "The Plays"

On to the Top 5 Georgia football plays I've seen in the past 15 years (videos imbedded, or following the link with the play # and title):

5. Odell’s Odyssey
UGA vs. Auburn / November 15, 2003

The Dawgs were enjoying a historic afternoon Between The Hedges and were poised to beat Auburn at home for the first time in 12 years. UGA led 19-0 early in the 4th Quarter, but Auburn was driving to try to get back in the game. They got to about the 5 yard line and took a shot at the end zone. The pass was tipped straight up and middle linebacker Odell Thurman grabbed it and rumbled 99 yards the other way for an electric INT for TD to put the game way. A great way to end a LONG losing streak.

4. Little Billy Bennett Comes Up BIG
UGA vs. Alabama / October 5, 2002

On a sweltering, hot, and humid afternoon in Tuscaloosa, UGA went out to prove they were “man enough” to beat the Crimson Tide. The game went back and forth, with Bama taking a late 25-24 lead. UGA came marching back down the field towards the end zone we were sitting in. David Greene positioned us in field goal range and then it was up to Billy Bennett to kick us to a win:



3. Rocky Top on Mute
UGA vs. Tennessee / October 11, 2003

From a momentum standpoint, probably the biggest dual swing play I’ve ever seen. UGA was leading 13-7 late in the first half when the Vols marched down to inside our 5 yard line. Tennessee went to pound it in, but fumbled the snap/hand off. Safety Sean Jones was crashing the play and suddenly found himself running full speed the other way as the ball scooped up in his hands. 98 yards later, he was in the end zone, UGA went into the half up 20-7 instead of down 14-13, I was delirious with joy and excitement, and Neyland Stadium was a quiet as a morgue. From a wall of noise to silence in the span of 10 seconds. Unbelievable. Please also enjoy the UT fan's reaction at the 16 second mark to this play, priceless.

2. Tech Toppled. Again.
UGA vs. GA Tech / November 29, 1997

After going back and watching the sequence of plays, it really is remarkable that UGA was able to come back and win this game. Tech took a 24-21 lead with under a minute left. Mike Bobo brought the team flying back down the field with DB turned WR/playmaker Champ Bailey getting the ball for a big chunk of the yards. After a heartbreaking turn whew pass interference call on Tech, UGA had a second chance. And Bobo make it count by finding Corey Allen for his 2nd huge catch for a TD (the first being the Hail Mary against Auburn in ’96) with less than 10 seconds left to give us our 7th straight win over Tech.

1. 20 Years Is A Long Time To Wait
UGA vs. Arkansas / December 7, 2002

Perhaps it was where I was sitting in that I could see it develop the whole way through. Or the significance of what it led to. Either way, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for this, my favorite play. UGA finally was playing for the SEC Championship that night. Despite being a heavy favorite, I was still concerned we’d come out flat against the Hogs. Those fears were soon put to rest by a dominating first 3 plays by the defense, which forced a punt. On the punt, #22 Decory Bryant was set up on the outside to block one of the Arkansas “gunners”. Suddenly he started sprinting full speed right at the punter when the ball was snapped. As this happened, the Georgia Dome steadily got louder and louder as he got closer, and then set off the loudest explosion of noise I ever heard at any sporting event when his outstretched arms hit the punt and generated a “thud”. The punt was blocked; UGA recovered on the 2, and the coronation was on.
Here it is, with the subsequent TD on the next play thrown in as bonus. Enjoy and GO DAWGS!