OFFENSE – Senior center Lamont Gaillard, who led a UGA offense that totaled 447 yards against the GT defense.
“Lamont closed out his time between the hedges in grand fashion with a win in a dominating performance over Tech,” Butler said. “During a year in which the offensive line saw many different starters, Lamont was a true leader helping develop the young studs. The offense is running on all cylinders at a time when it is most needed. Lamont’s gritty play in the trenches helped Georgia run wild against a outmanned defensive football team. With 42 wins, Lamont will always be proud of his time at UGA!”
DEFENSE – Senior defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter, who totaled nine tackles to pace a Bulldog defense that completely shut down Tech’s triple-option attack, holding the Jackets to 128 yards rushing, 225 short of their nation-leading average.
“Another great performance by another senior is the best way to celebrate a total ass kickin’ of Tech,” said Butler. “Jonathan challenged his teammates earlier in the week to not ‘look beyond’ the hated rival and he led the way in not taking them lightly. He put his money where his mouth was Saturday, ripping apart the offensive line of Tech and recording 9 tackles with 5 solo and 4 assists and 1 tackle for a loss. Jonathan has overcome challenges throughout his career and the biggest challenge lies in front of him this coming Saturday in his second SEC Championship game in 2 years.”
SPECIAL TEAMS – Senior snapper Nick Moore, whose snaps for field goals, extra points and punts, have been perfect the season long, leading to Georgia’s outstanding special teams play.
“The senior long snapper filled a hole in what was looked at as a problem area for the Dawgs coming into 2018,” said Butler. “From an early baseball career to an SEC championship last year and now a chance for a second SEC championship, Nick has done an unbelievable job filling a need that makes special teams work. He’s worked through pain and challenges to become a great snapper and a strong coverage man. We are lucky to have Nick and he will be ready to snap for the winning field goal against Alabama.”
UNSUNG CONTRIBUTOR TO THE GAME – Members of the Bulldog Nation fan base, who showed up for a noon kickoff on a cold, dreary day and spurred the team on to one of its best total performances of the season.
“On a weekend when we needed the crowd the most the Bulldog Nation showed up in full force,” said Butler. “Our fans have been the best loyal fans in the SEC. Their involvement in the game creates an atmosphere that has allowed Georgia to go undefeated at home for the last two years. We will need their enthusiasm and support as we battle Alabama for the SEC championship Saturday. They make the team better with their support and we will need it to win two SEC championships in a row. Thank you Bulldog Nation!”