No. 24 Georgia trying to avenge loss to Vanderbilt

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ
Associated Press Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The scenario is all too familiar.

No. 24 Georgia is treading water in the Southeastern Conference, coming off another disappointing loss to Eastern Division rival No. 25 Tennessee. Vanderbilt is trying to crawl out of the SEC cellar with a big win to spark its season.

The formula didn't mix well for Georgia last year.

The Commodores spoiled homecoming for the Bulldogs, pulling off a 24-22 upset between the hedges in Athens. A year later, things have shaped up the same way in the Music City.

Recognizing the similarities, Georgia coach Mark Richt offered a piece of advice for his team for the game Saturday night, which will be Vanderbilt's homecoming.

Wreck it.

``Last year, they came into our house and beat us, and it was not a fluke,'' Richt said. ``They came in and went toe-to-toe with us and came out with a victory ... We have to return the favor.''

Vanderbilt Stadium is sold-out for the game, but the 39,773-seat facility likely will be covered in Georgia red and provide the Bulldogs (4-2, 2-2) a warm welcome. Of course, this isn't the Vanderbilt team of old, when victories were as easy as putting them on the schedule.

The Commodores (3-2, 1-2) return 20 starters from last year's team, including receiver Earl Bennett. The junior needs just six catches to tie Kentucky's Craig Yeast with 208 for the SEC's career receptions record.

``Earl was huge for us last year at Georgia,'' Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis said. ``He was like their kryptonite.''

It's not just Georgia.

Bennett has been the driving force for the Commodores all season, making plays when his team needs them the most.

In Vanderbilt's three wins, Bennett has 33 receptions for 416 yards and four touchdowns. He has just 8 catches for 83 yards and no touchdowns in two losses. Stopping Bennett will be Georgia's top priority.

``I think hands-down their best offensive threat is Earl Bennett, I don't think that is a mystery to anyone,'' Richt said. ``He is walking (the records) down in his junior year. I don't know if he'll come back for his senior year. It wouldn't bother me if he turned pro.''

Georgia must try and correct a stagnant running game against Vanderbilt. After rushing for just 76 yards on 25 carries in last week's 35-14 loss to Tennessee, injuries at the position aren't making things any easier.

Running back Knowshon Moreno will make his first start for Georgia in place of Thomas Brown, out at least a month with a broken collarbone. Moreno leads the Bulldogs with 462 yards rushing on a team-high 91 carries with three touchdowns. He ranks 10th in the SEC in rushing.

Senior tailback Kregg Lumpkin is coming back from a broken right thumb and will share the work, but the Bulldogs like their chances with the young speedster.

``Knowshon gets out there and plays with a bunch of energy and I think that inspires people,'' Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

The Commodores also might be making a major offensive swap.

Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said Chris Nickson's sporadic play has caused him to re-evaluate his starter at quarterback.

Nickson has completed 60 of 113 passes for 757 yards this season, and he has six touchdowns and five interceptions. He may share time with backup Mackenzie Adams, who hasn't fared much better in limited action.

``I think they're a lot alike, which is a very good thing for you,'' Johnson said. ``If somebody's not on par and are having a bad day, you don't really have to change your game plan. It can continue on as it has before.''

Even with two conference losses, the winner will stay in contention for the SEC East title. Although no one expects Vanderbilt to run through the rest of its schedule unscathed, Georgia believes it's still very much alive with each of the six teams all with at least one loss.

The loser of this game likely will be eliminated from contention.

``We can still do it,'' Bulldogs tight end Tripp Chandler said. ``It can be a tough road, but I don't see why our team couldn't do it.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media