FanPost

Itching for Football: A Look Back at Memorable UGA Plays

Sam Greenwood

I do this every year. I’m sure you all do the same. This time of year you can’t help but think about what this year’s Dawgs will be like. As you sit and think about the coming year, I know you recollect about games of the past. You talk about a big win on the Plains or beating those Gators in Jacksonville. As I prepare for the season ahead, I wanted to share some of my most memorable Dawg moments with you.

First, I will give you some context. Every Dawg fan has a story and they have their most hated rival. This is my story. I’m 26 years old, a kid of the 1990s, and I grew up in North Georgia. Just like you, I bleed red and black. I can’t remember the last game I missed, maybe South Carolina 2012? Oh, I just blocked that from my memory. I’ve reflected on some of my favorite plays over my lifetime and wanted to share five of my favorite. Some of these moments are obvious and some of these are due to my Dawg story. I hope you enjoy.

5. Robert Edwards tightrope touchdown against Florida 1997

This is the first big Georgia upset I can remember. My memory goes back to the Hines Ward and Juan Daniels days. The earliest game I can remember in my childhood (mid 1990s) was the four overtime game against Auburn. And that memory is a little spotty. However, I vividly remember this autumn night against the Gators and this Robert Edwards touchdown. The game was all Georgia. Edwards torched the Gators that night and the tightrope TD was the exclamation point. This also just happened to be when Munson lit his cigar.

Robert Edward's tightrope TD

4. OT touchdown beats Alabama/Saban in Tuscaloosa

I think everyone remembers this game. This game against Alabama is arguably one of my all-time favorites. It was my sophomore year of college. Three of my best friends and I road tripped from Athens to Tuscaloosa. We had never been to Tuscaloosa and college game day was slated to be there. As a normal fan would do, we got out to the quad around 5am. We huddled with about 10 other Dawg fans against the mob of Tide faithful. As you can imagine, we were severely out numbered. Alabama was undefeated, coming off an OT win against Arkansas. Georgia was limping into Tuscaloosa. We had an early loss to South Carolina and a banged up offensive line. According to Bama fans Georgia had no shot to win, after all they were undefeated and had Nick Saban! Georgia took command early and led most of the game. The Dawgs had a big drive in the 3rd quarter, but Bama came back. The Crimson Tide tied the game late, sending it to overtime. The Dawgs won the toss and played stout defense and forced a field goal. This was Alabama’s first lead of the game. It didn’t last long.

Stafford to Mikey

3. Sean Jones 99 yard fumble return vs Tennessee 2003

Remember I told you every Dawg fan has a story? I left out the part of my story that says I HATE Tennessee. I despise them. Every Dawg fan I tell that to thinks I’m crazy. As previously mentioned, I’m from North Georgia. When I say North Georgia, I mean Ringgold or the Tennessee border. Most didn’t have to live in the sheer agony of Tennessee vs Georgia in the 1990s…you get my point. The year 2000 was the first time I saw the Dawgs beat Tennessee and it was all I could hope for and more. While many would point to the hobnail boot as their most memorable Tennessee win (it’s up on the list), the 41-14 thrashing in Knoxville is one of my most cherished. This was a top 15 matchup. Georgia was leading 13-7 with just seconds before the half. The Vols were knocking on the door to take the lead before the break. What happened next was comical and beautiful at the same time. Clausen fumbles at the goaline and Sean Jones scoops and scores for 99 yards making it 20-7.

Sean Jones - 99 yard scoop and score

2. Michael Johnson’s touchdown against Auburn in 2002

I told you I HATE Tennessee. Well, I HATE Auburn more. This was an obvious pick. 2002 – Georgia needed to win to get to Atlanta for the SEC championship game (for the first time ever). We play a good Auburn team on the Plains. We were getting pounded at the half. We fought and clawed our way to get back in it. As he did many times, Greene stayed cool and calm and got us into a position to win. Auburn is leading 21-17. It’s 4th and 15th from the 19 yard line. You know what happened next.

Greene to Johnson

1. Malcom Mitchell’s touchdown against Florida in 2012

I picked this play because of the sheer magnitude. Florida was ranked #2 and undefeated. Georgia was pounded in early October against South Carolina; I guess I do remember that game. The Gators had beaten South Carolina to put us back in the hunt for the SEC title game. This was a heavy weight fight at its best. In my opinion, the biggest play of this game was the Rambo interception, in the end zone, seconds for the half. However, the most memorable play was Malcom Mitchell beating Purifoy (Florida’s top CB) and taking it to pay dirt. For your enjoyment, I will post the entire highlight clip.

Mitchell scores against Gators

So, there you have it. These are some of my most memorable Dawg plays. What are some of your most memorable plays?

I hope this puts you in the mood to Hunker Down.

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