Georgia Captures 2008 Sugar Bowl
Bulldogs Force Six Turnovers in Romping to 41-10 Victory over Hawaii
Georgia gave indication of its national-championship aspirations in ruining the Rainbows' perfect season with a show of force that featured a stout defensive effort
Georgia’s 41-10 victory over Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl wasn’t so much an indictment of the Rainbows’ strength, as it was validation of the Bulldogs’ prowess.
Only an uncharacteristic 35-14 regular-season loss to Tennessee may have kept Georgia from playing Ohio State for the Bowl Championship Series national title.
Shortly after LSU surpassed Georgia in the BCS rankings with its Southeastern Conference Championship game victory, an obviously disappointed Georgia coach Mark Richt was asked for his thoughts.
If that‘s how it was going to be, Richt said, the BCS should make it official that to be considered for the national championship game, a team must compete in its conference one, as well.
Having lost to Tennessee cost Georgia the tiebreaker advantage in the SEC Eastern Division and a chance to play for the league title. As it was, LSU edged Tennessee, 21-14. LSU never played Georgia during the 2007 season and may have found the Bulldogs’ speed and athleticism comparable to their own.
Certainly, outmanned Hawaii couldn’t stop the Bulldogs. Much had been made about how Hawaii might fare on its biggest stage ever. After all, the Rainbows of the Western Athletic Conference had gone a perfect 12-0 in reaching the New Orleans classic.
As it was, Hawaii didn’t do very well against the 11-2 Bulldogs. Before the game had even begun, the Rainbows may have been spent emotionally given the whirlwind of activity that surrounded their historic season. Hawaii coach June Jones had said publicly that his players probably didn’t know what they were getting into given all the intense media glare surrounding their visit to the mainland.
Surely, Hawaii had never seen the likes of Georgia in making short work of the WAC. Georgia’s quickness and tenacity, combined with Hawaii’s jitters, forced the Rainbows into six turnovers.
Celebrated Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan threw three interceptions, lost two fumbles and had only 169 passing yards. Georgia defensive end Marcus Howard forced a third-quarter Brennan fumble in the end zone that Howard recovered for a touchdown.
Howard tipped a pass on Hawaii’s next possession. Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe intercepted to set up another score.
Howard finished with three quarterback sacks, forced two fumbles and won Most Valuable Player honors as the first defender to do so in nearly 30 years.
Georgia struck quickly with tailback Knowshon Moreno scoring on first-quarter touchdown runs of 17 and 11 yards. He finished with nine carries for 73 yards. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw an 11-yard, second-quarter touchdown pass to Sean Bailey. The efficient Stafford finished 14 of 23 for 175 yards.
For good measure, Brandon Coutu kicked a BCS-record 52-yard field goal, as well as a 45-yarder and five extra points.
Georgia enjoyed its largest bowl victory margin ever, while extending its school record for consecutive bowl appearances to 11. The Bulldogs played in the Sugar Bowl for the second time in three years.
Given all that, it may not be long before Georgia is playing for a national championship.
