What a difference a week makes. After a disappointing, streak ending home loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide. George ran the ball early and often in a 35–14 victory over the visiting Kentucky Wildcats.
The
Bulldog offense churned out 180 yards on the ground on 44 carries, led by Chauncey Bowens’ 70 yards on 15 attempts. Bowens got the start in front of Nate Frazier after his standout performance last week, and was again the Red and Black’s most consistent threat on the ground.
It goes without saying that the Athenians need to be able to also move the ball through the air. They just didn’t need to in this day. Gunner Stockton threw his first interception of the season and had a few other throws that just looked off. His 15 of 23 passing effort for 198 yards was frankly hampered by yet more injuries on the banged up Bulldog offensive line, which struggled at times both with A gap pressure right over center Drew Bobo and with a Wildcat stunt scheme that will give the younger Dawgs some teachable moments.
Defensively the ‘Dawgs played solid football, including a creating a season high 2 turnovers and surrendering only 270 yards of total offense. They harried Kentucky QB Cutter Billy most of the afternoon, and once the margin expanded to 21 points the Wildcats’ inability to move the ball consistently through the air meant this one felt well in hand before it was officially in hand.
As far as get-right games go, this one will do the trick. The Red and Black’s now head into a road test against the Auburn Tigers, looking to win their ninth straight contest in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!
