Georgia Beats Michigan State 24-12 In Capital One Bowl

Matthew Stafford rebounded from a poor first half to throw three touchdown passes and lead the Georgia Bulldogs to a 24-12 win over the Michigan State Spartans. Stafford, possibly playing in his last game at UGA, finished the game 20-of-31 for 250 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He was named the Capital One Bowl MVP following the game.

Sophomore Knowshon Moreno, more likely than Stafford to have played his last game, rushed for 62 yards on 23 carries. He also caught six passes for 63 yards and scored on a 21-yard pass from Stafford.

Towards the end of the 1st half, Georgia essentially ran out the clock out with 2:14 remaining even though the Bulldogs started with the ball at their own 44 yard line. Moreno rushed two times, followed by a Stafford pass to Moreno for a first down to the Spartan 43 yard line. Stafford then threw three incomplete passes before Georgia punted the ball away with only seven seconds remaining.

Overall, the Bulldogs played a good game, especially on defense. They held the Spartans to only 236 yards of total offense and kept their star running back Javon Ringer in check, limiting him to only 47 yards on 20 carries. They also held the Spartans to only six points after turnovers by Matthew Stafford and A.J. Green and a muffed punt by Brian Mimbs.

The Bulldogs finish the 2008 season with a 10-3 record overall and another bowl victory. Mark Richt is now 6-2 in bowl games, and the Georgia Bulldog program has an overall bowl record of 25-16-3.

Related Links:

• Capital One Bowl Victory Shirts – Sicemdawgs.com Fan Shop
• Box Score – ESPN.com
• Dawgs Over Spartans 24-12 – UGASports.com