On a sweltering Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium, the Georgia Bulldogs took care of business against the overmatched, but scrappy, Murray State Racers. If there were a moral victory for Murray State, it would be their first-quarter play. The Racers held Georgia to seven points while scoring a touchdown of their own by way of a 60-yard pass. But it didn’t take long for the Dawgs’ talent and size to put the game out of reach in the second quarter. The Dawgs crossed the goal line five more times before the half ended.
Georgia continues to give playing time to its talented freshmen and underclassmen. On both sides of the ball, younger players are making their presence known. Kirby Smart commented on the value of playing time:
“It helps tremendously to go out and play. Players think they’re ready, then their moment comes, and they’ve got nerves. The next time, they get better. Then better. Then better. A lot of guys got to grow up today. It’s a maturity process as we build toward the future.”
The highlight of the day, discounting the expected victory over Murray State, was the ceremony naming the field at Sanford Stadium for legendary coach Vince Dooley. Dooley, his family, and a host of his former players gathered to celebrate the well-deserved honor for the man who led UGA to national prominence in football. Of course, Coach Dooley’s impact was far more significant than on the football field. As athletic director, he applied his standard of excellence to all sports.