Long Wait Is Over for Georgia

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. —  With Coach Mark Richt calling the shots, Georgia found a way to win in Neyland Stadium.

The Bulldogs’ 26-24 victory over sixth-ranked Tennessee on Saturday was their first at Neyland Stadium in six tries and first since 1980, when Herschel Walker was a freshman.

“In a coaching transition, it’s tough on them and they’re upset, usually rightfully so,” said Richt, in his first season. “I told them this is for you, no matter what. It’s a defining moment for our seniors and the whole team. I’m thankful, we could pull it off.”

Verron Haynes caught a six-yard touchdown pass with five seconds left after redshirt freshman David Greene, starting for the first time on the road, drove the Bulldogs 59 yards.

The Volunteers (3-1, 2-1in the Southeastern Conference) had taken the lead when Travis Stephens caught a screen pass and ran 62 yards for a touchdown with 44 seconds left for a 24-20 lead.

But the Bulldogs (3-1, 2-1), who have won two in a row over the Volunteers, had enough time for the upset.

Greene drove Georgia to the Tennessee six with a 14-yard pass to Randy McMichael.

Then he found Haynes open in the end zone.

“I kind of prepared myself for the moment. I kept telling myself to stay focused,” Greene said. “We started moving the ball and started clicking. It was kind of a trick play. We faked to the fullback [Haynes] and he slides out like he is going to block the middle linebacker.”

Georgia, which had lost five in succession in Knoxville, did not risk an extra-point try.

The loss dims Tennessee’s hopes of winning the SEC East.

“This is tough,” Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer said. “There are a lot of hurt feelings in that dressing room. We’re heartbroken right now.”

Greene finished 21 of 34 for 303 yards, beating a defense that was third in the country in allowing 222.3 yards a game.

Musa Smith had 49 yards on 17 carries, getting the best of the nation’s best rush defense.

McMichael had six catches for 108 yards.